The State Cabinet on Wednesday decided to request the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) to extend the validity of the rank list for college lecturers beyond March 31. It also decided to create 81 posts in various government colleges in the State, entailing an additional expenditure of Rs.3.51 crore.
Announcing the Cabinet decisions on behalf of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who has been advised rest for three days, Information and Communication Minister K.C. Joseph said the rank list of college lecturers was due to expire on March 31. The Cabinet also decided to allow full benefit of 179 days employment to 2,677 temporary hands working in the Social Justice Department since the last day of their employment period was a public holiday. Similarly, the term of 1,902 temporary hands in the Health Department, who were recruited to meet the requirements of tackling the outbreak of contagious diseases, has been extended by three months.
Mr. Joseph said the Cabinet complimented the 46 medal winners in the Special Olympics held in Australia recently and decided to give special grants to them. Accordingly, those who won gold medals will get Rs. 50,000 each, silver medal winners will get Rs. 30,000 and bronze medallists, Rs. 20,000. Over and above this, those who participated in the Special Olympics but could not win a medal will get Rs. 10,000 each. The coach and team manager will get Rs. 25,000 each.
The Sports Minister was asked to conduct an inquiry into the problems the Kerala School team faced while on their way to participate in the National School Games. The Cabinet also decided to upgrade four Ayurveda dispensaries into hospitals with in-patient facilities.
The Minister clarified that Horticorp would continue with its market intervention operations in vegetable markets and would be eligible for all benefits due to a public sector undertaking, including the powers to waive tender procedures.
The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs. 2 lakh to the Prem Nazir Foundation for conducting programmes in connection with the 25 death anniversary of the actor.
