The Opposition boycotted the fag end of the Assembly on Tuesday claiming that the treasury benches were ridiculing the Opposition in an undemocratic manner.
What provoked the Opposition was the remark of Minister for Panchayats M.K. Muneer that he was ignoring inconsequential criticism raised by the Opposition during the debate on the demands for grants for social security and welfare and panchayat and also the remarks of government Chief Whip P.C. George at a press conference earlier.
Though Mr. Muneer withdrew his remark, the Opposition members were not satisfied and they left the House.
The Minister said the government proposed to seek funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency for upgrading anganwadis in the State. Initially, 400 anganwadis would be upgraded. The Kudumbasree Project had got the highest ever budget allocation this year. It would be producing 15 per cent of the vegetables needed in the State.
Mr. Muneer said Rs.45 crore would be spent by the Women’s Development Corporation on self-employment projects for women. She-toilets would be set up at 2,000 locations across the State. Fast track courts would be set up in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Kochi under Nirbhaya Scheme to try crimes against women and girls. Shelter homes would also be set up under the programme.
He said camps would be organised for distribution of aids, including three-wheelers, to the physically challenged. For issue of disability certificates, examination by team of doctors would henceforth be required only in case of multiple disabilities. In other case, a specialist doctor could issue the certificate.
After the Minister’s reply, the House passed the demands, totalling Rs. 1,266.63 crore, in the absence of the Opposition.
