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Cabinet approves Cusat handover

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal to hand over the Cochin University of Science and Technology to the Central government for upgradation as Indian Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (IIEST).

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan told the media after the Cabinet meeting that the university was being handed over on condition that the reservation principles applicable in the State would apply to the 50 per cent State quota in admissions to the institute.

The Chief Minister said that the Cabinet decided that SSLC question papers should be kept in the treasury or bank lockers within five kilometres of the examination centres.

The questions papers should be taken out of the lockers only on the day of the examination.

Mr. Achuthanandan announced that a working group headed by the Principal Secretary (Local Self-Government) would be set up for preparing a master plan for implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act.

The income limit for availing assistance from the Swanthanam Scheme by non-resident Keralites would be increased to Rs.25,000 a month.

The assistance would be provided based on income certificates from the village officer. Earlier, only those living below the poverty line were eligible for the assistance.

Replying to questions on the controversial HMT deal, the Chief Minister said that the government had not decided on the stand to be taken before the High Court in the case relating to the deal.

The government would await the decision of the court, as that would help to avoid mistakes. The court would not exonerate anyone responsible for irregularities in the deal. The Advocate-General would respond as per the requirements of the court.

Asked about the differing opinions furnished by the Advocate-General on the transferability of the land in question, Mr. Achuthanandan said that the Advocate-General was always trying to protect the interests of the State. He was not commenting on the merits of the case, as it was sub judice.

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