THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ruling and Opposition benches locked horns over the PM-SHRI scheme in the assembly on Thursday. While the UDF government blamed the previous LDF regime for signing an agreement that did not permit Keralam to withdraw unilaterally, the Opposition pressed for legal action against the Centre over the withholding of education funds.
General Education Minister N Samsudheen said the MoU signed by the previous government did not provide for unilateral withdrawal by the state. The government had formed a cabinet subcommittee under him in June to examine the state’s options. The panel has met twice, but is yet to finalise its report, he said. A call on future action will be taken after receiving the report, Samsudheen said.
To his statement that funds to the tune of `1,607 crore were due to Keralam under Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) and other educational schemes, former finance minister K N Balagopal urged the government to consider litigation. However, Samsudheen maintained that the cabinet subcommittee would examine the state’s options before the government takes a final decision.
State eyes cruise tourism expansion through ports
T’Puram: The government is exploring an international cruise tourism circuit linking Vizhinjam and Kochi ports as part of its plan to more than double the tourist arrivals over the next five years. Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh told the assembly on Thursday that the department has outlined a plan to develop Vizhinjam Seaport and Kochi Port as cruise tourism destinations, supported by immigration and customs facilities, a cruise terminal, information centres and visitor services at Vizhinjam
Govt to move SC to lift construction ban in CHR
T’PURAM: The UDF government’s position is that Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) comes under revenue land, Chief Minister V D Satheesan told the assembly. Replying to an adjournment motion on Thursday, he said the government would approach the Supreme Court to seek a modification of its order banning all construction activities in the CHR.
Push for industrial reform with SARAL Bill
T’PURAM: The assembly witnessed a step towards transforming the state’s industrial climate with the introduction of the Simplified and Accelerated Regulatory Approvals and Licensing (SARAL) Keralam Bill, 2026. Minister P K Kunhalikutty said it aims to overhaul clearance channels by replacing fragmented red tape with ‘one state, one approval, one document’ system.
‘Reconsider Palakkad railway division bifurcation’
T’Puram: The assembly passed a resolution requesting the Union government and the Ministry of Railways to urgently reconsider the decision to separate Mangaluru region from the Palakkad railway division, and to restore it to its former status. BJP MLAs opposed the resolution. MLA Ramesh Pisharody moved the motion to initiate a discussion demanding the Railways ministry to reconsider the order.
‘Exclude cardamom hill reserve from ESA’
T’Puram: The assembly on Thursday passed a unanimous resolution urging the Union government to exclude Idukki’s Cardamom Hill Reserve from the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The chief minister said the government will continue with the position taken by the previous Left government on the ESA. The resolution was moved by Minister Sunny Joseph and supported by the LDF and BJP.
