Kerala has decided to simplify procedures for issue of ration cards and official certificates.

The Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, announced this to newspersons after a weekly Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday.

The decision was taken on the basis of specific issues that cropped up during his mass contact programme in several parts of the State.

Norms for grant of assistance from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund will also undergo some change, Mr Chandy said.

New criteria would be drawn up for issue of APL and BPL ration cards as also shift in BPL/APL status of these cards.

Issue of birth and death certificates, besides disability and nativity certificates, would be streamlined.

People with permanent disability would now need to get the requisite certificate only once. Extant rules required that they get fresh certificates every year.

The Chief Minister said steps are under way to clear the backlog in appointments of the physically challenged to posts reserved for them.

Already, 1,039 such posts have been reported to the Public Service Commission for selection. The balance for 2007-2011 would be reported to it within six months.

Government buildings would be designed keeping in mind needs of the physically challenged. The Public Works Department is being advised in this regard.

>vinson@thehindu.co.in

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