The Hindu : Front Page : Cabinet nod for Eleventh Plan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 25, 2007
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Cabinet nod for Eleventh Plan

Special Correspondent

Kerala not to ban Gujarat Chief Minister's visit: Achuthanandan

V.S. Achuthanandan warns of action against any attempt to create trouble in the State.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved the 11th Five-Year Plan for the State with a total outlay of Rs.40,422 crore.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan told mediapersons that the Cabinet had also approved the annual Plan of Rs.6,950 crore for the coming financial year. The State Planning Board had earlier approved the Plan.

The Chief Minister recalled that the size of the Tenth Plan of the State was Rs.24,000 crore.

The Cabinet also decided to extend exemption of plantation tax on tea, coffee and cardamom estates by one year in view of the continuing crisis in the plantation sector.

The Chief Minister refused to go into the issue of his writing to the President last month recommending the High Court Chief Justice V.K. Bali for appointment as judge of the Supreme Court (Mr. Bali retired as Chief Justice on Tuesday). Responding to a question from a journalist on the controversy, the Chief Minister said he was carrying out his constitutional responsibilities and duties and the details could not be shared with the media.

He rejected the demand of the National Development Front (NDF) and other Muslim organisations that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi be prevented from attending the Hindu Mahamela being organised by the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "It will not be proper to prevent a Chief Minister from attending a function in the State."

However, strong action would be taken against any attempt to create trouble. The RSS and the NDF were trying to cause communal divide and create tension. The violent incidents at Tirur and Tanur in Malappuram district and Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district were the result of this. They should desist from efforts to create tension. The police had been directed to keep vigil. All should cooperate to maintain peace.

Mr. Achuthanandan said the Government would consider seriously the criticism of Kerala Congress (M) leader K.M. Mani about the affidavit proposed to be submitted by the Government before the Supreme Court on the status of cardamom hills.

He announced that the 11-year-old Akash who had lost his legs on being hit by a police recovery van in Kozhikode would be given Rs.5 lakh for his treatment.

He would also be given a job in Government services on completion of his education.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page