Thiruvananthapuram: Cabinet on Tuesday recommended the Governor to promulgate ordinance amending Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act 2008. Once the ordinance is promulgated, the permission of local level monitoring committees will not be needed for mega projects which are directly implemented by government or in collaboration with other agencies.
Instead, Cabinet approval will be enough for conversion of such lands for mega projects. The amendment will help the government to overcome protest against projects like GAIL pipeline. The land acquisition process for the project had met with agitation from locals in some parts of the state. The ordinance is also aimed at ensuring protection of paddy land and wetlands besides smooth implementation of government projects.
Other highlights of the ordinance: Reclamation of paddy land will be a criminal act and non-bailable offence. In the event of reclamation of paddy land, the same should be reported to court by agriculture office or village officer. The reclamation of ten cents and above of paddy field will not be regularised. For construction of houses, exemption will be given for reclamation of paddy land; five cents in urban areas and 10 cents in rural areas. The ordinance is aimed at restoring the 2008 Act brought by the then LDF government.
Elangovan to be power secretary
Local bodies principal secretary T.K. Jose will be given temporary charge of industries, KSEB chairman Elangovan will hold temporary charge of power secretary. Cabinet hailed the commendable work of Abraham as chief secretary.
Abraham to be state innovation council chairman.
Cabinet decided to reconstitute State Innovation Council with outgoing chief secretary Abraham as chairman. The members of the council are renowned nano scientist Pulickel Ajayan, Infosys co-founder S D Shibulal, banking expert Shyam Sreenivasan, noted researcher in Chemistry Dr K M Abraham (USA). Abraham will continue as CEO of Kerala Infrastructure and Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). He will be ex-officio secretary Finance (Infrastructure) Planning and Financial Affairs (Deveopment and Innovation).
Other decisions:
Cabinet approves connectivity projects in connection with Kannur International Airport. Cabinet decides to go in for appeal against HC judgment disallowing reservation for SC/ST in Aided Colleges without minority status, Cabinet entrusted ministers charge of districts for coordinating programmes to check infectious diseases.
