Kerala Cabinet Clears Key Decisions on Forests, Coast, Pay Revision, Infrastructure

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of key decisions covering forest protection, coastal erosion control, education, social security, infrastructure works and administrative matters.

Six New Forest Stations

The Cabinet approved the formation of six new forest stations under the Forest and Wildlife Department at Kallar, Anakkulam, Malampuzha, Anakkampoyil, Kottiyoor and Bandadukka. The move is aimed at strengthening forest and wildlife protection, improving field-level functioning and reducing incidents of human–wildlife conflict.

Chellanam Coastal Protection Phase II Gets In-Principle Approval

In-principle approval was granted for the second phase of coastal erosion protection works along the Chellanam coast. The phase will cover a 6.1 km stretch, involving the reformation of damaged and sunken sea walls using tetrapods between CP Stone 1016 and 1047. Prepared as per DSR 2021, the project is estimated to cost 404 crore, including GST. KIIDC has been designated as the SPV, with funding to be arranged through KIIFB.

Creation of Posts

The Cabinet approved the creation of teaching and non-teaching posts at the government-acquired Kesari Government Arts and Science College at North Paravur in Ernakulam district. Fifteen teaching posts and six non-teaching posts will be created. Existing surplus permanent teachers will be redeployed, and guest faculty will be engaged if required. Recruitment to attender and sweeper posts will be through the Employment Exchange, while appointment to the night watchman post will be through KEXCON.

Approval was given to upgrade the post of Assistant in Kerala Social Security Pension Limited to Financial Assistant. An officer from the Finance Department will be appointed to the post on deputation.

Pay Revision

The Cabinet approved the grant of Eleventh Pay Revision benefits to permanent employees in sanctioned posts of the State Women’s Development Corporation, with effect from July 1, 2019.

Additional Government Guarantee

An additional government guarantee of 11,000 crore was approved for Kerala Social Security Pension Limited, in addition to the existing guarantee of 14,000 crore.

Land Assignment

The Cabinet approved the assignment of 20.23 ares of land from a 1.61-hectare government plot in Varkala village for the construction of an office-cum-residential complex for the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, on payment of market value. It also authorised the Ernakulam District Collector to assign land to 44 residents of Paradise Nagar in Ernakulam village by relaxing income limits.

Implementation of Long-Term Settlement

The revised long-term settlement for employees and workers of Kerala Ceramics Limited for the period from 2016 to 2021 will be implemented with modifications.

IHRD: High Court Verdict to Be Implemented

The Cabinet decided to implement the High Court judgment issued on November 28, 2025, allowing employees of IHRD who retired on or after May 30, 2025, to be reinstated and permitted to continue in service until they attain the age of 60.

Tenders Approved

The Cabinet approved a tender worth 33.96 crore for the construction of the Chooralmala bridge in Wayanad. A tender amounting to 31.79 crore was approved for the construction of the new Ranni Vali​ya Palam (bridge) across the Pamba river in Pathanamthitta district. Approval was also given to a 3.29 crore tender for road upgradation works in Kollam Corporation under the 2024–25 Budget.

Society to Be Formed

The Cabinet approved the formation of the Thrissur Zoological Park Conservation and Development Society for the management of the Thrissur Zoological Park, along with its revised memorandum of association and rules.

Appointment

The Cabinet decided to recommend to the Governor the appointment of retired High Court judge Justice Babu Mathew P. Joseph as the Ombudsman for Local Self-Government Institutions.