Briefing the media, Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan said that the fair values would be notified shortly. Citizens would have an opportunity to file complaints about the notified values. (Earlier notifications have not been given effect to because of large number of complaints).
The Cabinet had also approved the abkari policy for the coming financial year. The bar licence fee for clubs would be increased from Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh. No other major changes had been proposed over the current year’s policy. (Toddy shops will be auctioned to cooperatives in three northern districts and some ranges in Ernakulam district, an official spokesman said.)
Mr. Achuthanandan announced that Rs. 15 crore would be released to the Kerala Water Authority for drought relief. Besides, Rs. 10 crore would be placed in the hands of collectors.
Steps would be taken for acquisition of the remaining land needed for the proposed coach factory of the Railways at Palakkad. The full extent of land sought by the Railways (426 acres) would be made available. About 30 acres would be acquired for the coast guard station in Kozhikode on a fast track basis. The Aralam government upper primary school in Kannur district would be upgraded.
