Kerala govt announces Rs 8 lakh for families of rain mishap victims; here are other key Cabinet decisions

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced Rs 8 lakh in relief to the families of people who died in the recent rain-related incidents in the state.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the decision at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday (September 23), following a Cabinet meeting.

The assistance will be provided to the families of victims in Malappuram, Idukki and Kottayam districts.

The Cabinet also took several other decisions on expatriate welfare, road safety, ecologically sensitive areas and cultural programmes.

Loka Kerala Sabha to be replaced

The Cabinet has decided to dissolve the existing Loka Kerala Sabha and replace it with an alternative platform to address the concerns of expatriate Keralites.

The government has also decided to work towards shifting Kerala's remittance-based economy towards an investment-based economy.

A Cabinet sub-committee has been formed for this purpose, with the Chief Minister as its chairman. The Ministers for Industry, Home, Health and Irrigation will be members of the committee.

Multi-department road safety campaign

The government has expressed concern over the sharp rise in road accidents and fatalities across Kerala.

It has decided to launch a multi-departmental Road Safety Campaign led by the Transport Department. The campaign will combine enforcement measures with public awareness programmes.

The government has also appealed to the public to cooperate with the road safety initiatives.

ESA coverage retained at 8,590 sq km

The Cabinet has reaffirmed the government's position to limit Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) coverage to 8,590 sq km across 98 villages.

Residential areas and Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) regions will be excluded from the ESA coverage.

The Environment Department will publish a comprehensive map to address grievances and concerns over the proposed ESA areas.

Cabinet panel formed for Festival Kerala

The government has formed a Cabinet sub-committee to organise Festival Kerala (70 years of Kerala formation).

The Chief Minister will chair the committee, while the Cultural Affairs Minister will be its convener.

The Cabinet also decided to organise World Maritime Day celebrations and discussions in Ernakulam to highlight Kerala's maritime potential.

Elderly Welfare Department renamed

The Cabinet has approved the renaming of the Elderly Welfare Department as the Department for Senior Citizens.