THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant move, the cabinet on Thursday approved the complete waiver of interest and penalties amounting to Rs436.49 crore on KSRTC’s outstanding short-term and long-term loans from the Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation (KTDFC). This comes as a major relief to the cash-strapped state-run transport corporation.
Taking into account the ongoing monsoon and related challenges, the cabinet also sanctioned Rs 43.65 crore for coastal erosion prevention works in Pozhiyur (Thiruvananthapuram) and Kollamkode. The project will cover around 1.2 km of vulnerable shoreline, with technical assistance from the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR). A dedicated Project Management Unit will be formed to monitor the initiative, and the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has been designated as the special purpose vehicle (SPV) to execute the work.
Another major decision was the lease extension of 2.09 hectares of land in Cheruthuruthy village, in Thrissur, to the National Research Institute. The lease will now be valid for 25 years from May 25, 2021. The extension is aimed at supporting the institute’s continued role in providing affordable healthcare services.
The cabinet also approved the electrification of 1,137 Scheduled Caste houses across Kerala. Of these, 1,097 houses will be electrified under the Central government’s Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) and the remaining 40 under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Further, the government has decided to establish a new model residential school for Scheduled Caste students at Thonnackkal in Thiruvananthapuram.
In the health sector, the cabinet approved the creation of a superintendent post for the Kannur Mental Health Review Board. A section officer from the public administration department will be deputed for this role.In the tourism sector, the cabinet cleared the creation of three new tourist officer posts and one liaison officer post in Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
Key decisions of the state cabinet meeting
KSRTC Loan Relief: Interest and penalty waiver on Rs 436.49 crore of short-term and long-term loans from KTDFC.
Coastal Protection Allocation: Rs 43.65 crore approved for erosion control in Pozhiyur and Kollamkode, with NCCR support.
Electrification of SC Houses: Approval for electrification of 1,137 Scheduled Caste homes
Land Lease Extension: 25-year lease extension for 2.09 hectares in Cheruthuruthy to the National Research Institute (retroactively from May 25, 2021).
