News and Views

Fires are occurring in Periyar Tiger Reserve as summer advances.

Satellites of NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System have detected fires in the South West and North East parts of the Reserve during the past 24 hours.

Several fires had occurred in different parts of the sanctuary early this month also.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the Assembly on Wednesday that the monthly honorarium of anganwadi workers and helpers would be increased to Rs. 10000 and Rs. 7000 respectively.

Poultry farming and cattle rearing would be recognised as part of agriculture, eligible for loans, power subsidy and tax concessions.

The Opposition disrupted the proceedings in the Kerala Assembly on Wednesday, leading to adjournment of the House till next Wednesday.

The Chief Minister Oommen Chandy moved a motion to cancel sittings scheduled for Friday and Monday and take up Vote on Account relating to the coming year’s Budget on Wednesday and the House adopted it.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced in the Assembly on Wednesday that the plantation tax would be reduced from Rs. 700 to Rs. 500 a hectare.

Contract and daily wage workers in government service would be given the minimum scale applicable to permanent employees in equivalent posts so as to ensure a decent living standard to them. They would also get an annual increase based on consumer price index.

Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to develop 20 major roads spread across 14 districts of the State.

The works will be funded from the cess (50 paise per litre) imposed on sale of petrol and diesel this year. Rs 2680 crore will be released from the pool over two years.