Cabinet sanctions five new colleges

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday sanctioned five new arts and science colleges which had got all the approvals from the Universities concerned. One of these is in the government sector and the others in the private sector.

The Cabinet decided to carry out a scheme for development and empowerment of women from weaker sections of the society and those facing serious difficulties.

The Dhanasree Lottery will be renamed and restructured into a new lottery (Sthree Sakthi Lottery) to fund the scheme. The face value of lottery ticket will be increased from Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 and the entire proceeds from the lottery will be spent for the scheme under social security mission.

The scheme aims at improving participation of women in work, rehabilitation of women in distress, and providing help to families headed by women and women facing serious challenges.

The Cabinet sanctioned Rs. 4 lakh to endosulfan victim Sruthi for pursuing studies at a Homeo Medical College in Karnataka. Her husband had tried to commit suicide as she did not get the assistance promised by the government.

Unaided special schools with more than 100 pupils will be accorded aided status. Bud schools with more than 25 pupils will also get aided status.

The Cabinet approved the pay revision agreed to between employees and management of Kerala Electricals Limited. The agreement proposes 21 per cent increase in wages. The workers had agreed to 24 per cent increase in production.

It approved the rehabilitation package for persons whose land had been acquired for the Harippad Medical College. It sanctioned Rs. 10 crore for housing scheme for fishermen.

The newly sanctioned colleges are the following:

Government College, Nilambur
NSS College, Kappoor, Pattambi
Najmulhrida Orphanage College, Kattilangadi, Malappuram
SN Trust, Pambanar, Idukki
CSI College of Arts and Science, Mulayara, Thiruvananthapuram.

Besides, NOC will be given to applications from sections of society without colleges which are under consideration of the Government.