The Hindu : Front Page : Cabinet nod for food security plan

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Thursday, Jul 03, 2008
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Cabinet nod for food security plan

Special Correspondent

Administrative sanction for 30-MW hydroelectric project in the Achencoil river

Health insurance for unorganised workers
Special officer for Kannur airport project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Popular Food Security Action Plan with an outlay of Rs.1,313 crore.

Briefing presspersons after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said the action plan aimed at increasing the production of food grains, milk, egg and meat. “Paddy production is sought to be increased by 50 per cent.”

The Chief Minister did not clarify whether the 50 per cent increase proposed was over and above the Agriculture Department’s plan to double production. (Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran had announced that paddy production would be increased from 6 lakh tones to 12 lakh tones a year. )

Call to people

Calling upon the people to help to increase food production, Mr. Achuthanandan said the action plan would be carried out with the active participation of the people and local self-government institutions. A committee headed by the Chief Minister with the Agriculture Minister as convener would oversee the implementation.

He announced that the Cabinet had given administrative sanction for a 30 MW hydroelectric project in the Achencoil river. The Kerala State Electricity Board was to take up the project subject to forest and environmental clearances from the Centre.

He also announced that the government would introduce a comprehensive health insurance plan for unorganised workers and their families throughout the State. It would provide 75 per cent subsidy on the premium to families living below the poverty line. The coverage would be for a maximum amount of Rs.30,000.

Former Air India Chairman V. Thulasidas would be appointed as special officer for the Kannur airport project. IAS officer Kuruvila John would be posted as Principal Secretary (Higher Education) and V. Geetha as Director of Medial Education.

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