UDF decision on honorary role for PJ Joseph imminent, says Mons Joseph

Kottayam: Kerala Water Resources Minister and Kerala Congress (Joseph) leader Mons Joseph on Sunday said a decision on granting an honorary position with Cabinet rank to party chairman P J Joseph was expected shortly, as discussions among the UDF constituents were underway.

Joseph, a senior leader in the UDF, did not contest the Assembly election this year.

"The UDF had agreed in principle to give formal recognition in the government to P J Joseph, who is a senior leader of the Kerala Congress and the UDF. However, there are some matters to be discussed between the Kerala Congress and the Congress. We expect these discussions to be completed within a short time. Bilateral talks are currently underway and will be completed soon," Mons Joseph said in a press conference.

On the UDF government's liquor policy, he said discussions with constituent parties should begin at the earliest to avoid uncertainty over the policy.

"The Congress party has also demanded that discussions with the UDF constituents begin without delay. The discussions should be completed soon and the liquor policy finalised with clarity. Announcing the UDF's liquor policy at the earliest is necessary," he said.

On the functioning of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), Mons Joseph said the government was planning a comprehensive restructuring to improve drinking water supply and make the organisation more responsive to public complaints.

He said the government had received widespread complaints about irregular water supply, frequent pipeline bursts, delays in repairing damaged pipelines and inadequate water sources for newly introduced projects.

"Drinking water is the right of the people. The government wants to ensure that water is supplied properly and without complaints. The KWA should be transformed into a public service-oriented organisation," he said.

The minister said the government had decided to undertake a comprehensive restructuring of the KWA to address these issues and improve its functioning.

The KWA managing director had been entrusted with the task of examining the proposed changes, along with the chief engineer, and submitting an urgent report to the government, he said.

The government would also seek suggestions from experts and former administrators with experience in the sector before finalising the restructuring.

The exercise is expected to be completed by December 31, he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)