Kerala Cabinet Approves New School, Loan Waivers, and Coastal Protection

Thiruvananthapuram: The recent Kerala Cabinet meeting has cleared multiple important decisions aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure, financial relief measures, rural electrification, coastal protection, and administrative efficiency across various sectors.

The government has approved the establishment of a Model Residential School under the Scheduled Caste Development Department in Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. Initially, the school will admit 35 students into the fifth grade, with plans for future expansion. A new Upper Primary School (UPS) teaching position will be created to ensure adequate academic support. To maintain smooth day-to-day operations, six non-teaching positions will be filled on a daily wage basis: office attendant, watchman, male/female wardens, male/female aayas (caregivers), assistant cook, and part-time sanitation workers. This recruitment approach aims to offer flexible employment opportunities while meeting the institution's operational needs

For financial relief measure, the Cabinet approved waiving interest and penalties totaling Rs. 436.49 crore on outstanding loans owed by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation (KTDFC). These waivers cover both short-term and long-term loans.

The move aims to alleviate the financial burden on these key transport bodies, enabling them to focus resources on service improvement and operational sustainability. By reducing accumulated financial liabilities, the government seeks to stabilise the sector and promote long-term viability.

To further rural development and improve living standards, the Cabinet has recommended electrification of 1,137 Scheduled Caste households across Kerala under the centrally sponsored scheme "Dharthi Aab Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan" (DA-JGUA). This includes 1,097 houses under the DA-JGUA project and an additional 40 houses under the revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

The state government will communicate these recommendations to the Ministry of Power for approval and funding. Electrification of these homes is expected to enhance quality of life by providing reliable access to electricity, supporting education, healthcare, and economic activities in these communities.

Addressing climate change challenges and coastal erosion, the Cabinet approved Rs. 43.65 crore for coastal protection works in Pozhiyur (Thiruvananthapuram) and Kollamkode. The project will cover a 1.2-kilometre stretch designed by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR).

Following the successful model implemented in the Chellanam project, the government will establish a Project Management Unit (PMU) and a coordination committee to oversee the works. The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC) will be designated as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for project execution. Funding will be mobilized through the Kerala Infrastructure Finance Fund Board (KIFBI). These measures aim to strengthen coastal defences, protect livelihoods, and mitigate environmental risks.

The Cabinet approved a tender worth Rs. 4.36 crore for the improvement of the Puthusseribhagom-Thattarupadi-Erathu-Vayala road. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate smoother transportation, and support economic activities in the region by enhancing road safety and reducing travel time.

To improve governance and oversight in mental health services, the Cabinet approved the creation of a superintendent position within the Kannur Mental Health Review Board. An officer from the General Administration Department will be deputed as section officer to assist in administrative matters.

Additionally, the State Mental Health Authority’s Chief Executive Officer has been authorised to recruit contractual or daily wage staff for various support roles, including assistant, stenographer-typist, office attendant, and casual sweeper positions. These steps aim to strengthen the administrative capacity and efficiency of the mental health review process.

The Cabinet approved the renewal of the land lease for the National Research Institute of Panchakarma, Cheruthuruthi. The lease pertains to 2.0984 hectares of land in Cheruthuruthi village, Thrissur district.

The lease extension will be valid for 25 years from May 25, 2021, at an annual rate of Ra. 100, reflecting the institute’s significant role in providing affordable traditional healthcare services to the public. This renewal ensures the continued functioning and growth of the institute, which contributes to preserving and promoting Ayurveda and Panchakarma therapies.

In an administrative restructuring aimed at improving operational efficiency, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Limited will abolish three Tourist Officer positions and create a new Liaison Officer post. This change is intended to streamline functions, reduce redundancy, and better align staffing with current organizational needs and tourism promotion strategies.