The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to recommend to the Public Service Commission extension of validity of existing ranks lists to four-and-a-half years or till the publication of a new rank list, whichever is earlier.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the media after the Cabinet meeting that the extension of the rank lists was proposed as a one-time measure. The normal validity of the lists was three years.
The Cabinet had also decided to confirm 2,677 physically challenged persons who had been appointed in government service on a temporary basis between August 16, 1999, and December 31, 2003.
They would be appointed in Class III and Class IV posts depending on their educational qualifications and ability. Supernumerary posts would be created so as not to affect the prospects of those getting appointments through the PSC. The present government had so far appointed 1,188 physically challenged persons through the PSC to the three per cent quota for them in government service. Mr. Chandy said that the Cabinet recommended to the Governor the convening of the Assembly from June 10. The session, which is to consider the budgetary demands for grants, would normally continue till July 18.
He said about 25 hectares at Badiyaduka would be made available for the proposed medical college in Kasaragod district. Additional land would be acquired for six stations under the Kochi Metro project. A mission would be formed for development of pineapple farming. Agriculture assistants would be appointed at 40 Krishi Bhavans.
He said the grant to the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi for holding an international gathering of artists doing wall paintings in Kottayam would be enhanced from Rs.50 lakh to Rs.75 lakh. About 300 artists were expected to attend the programme being organised as part of the plan to make Kottayam a mural city.
The government would provide Rs.4 crore for further development of the sports complex and football academy at Manjeri in Malappuram district.
