In its first Cabinet meeting after assuming office, the Pinarayi Vijayan government decided to take immediate steps to strengthen the public distribution system (PDS) and ensure adequate supplies of essentials.
The State Civil Supplies Corporation will be allotted ₹150 crore to revamp its operations and prevent a price spiral, Vijayan told reporters here on Wednesday.
Arrears in welfare pensions will be released. The government also intends to bring in a system of pension payouts at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister has also asked all government departments to report vacancies over the next 10 days. He also announced the appointment of a woman ADGP to probe the controversial rape and murder case of a young law student at Perumbavur. The mother of the deceased will be given a pension of ₹5,000 per month.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister will hold the portfolios of home, vigilance and IT. Observers says the move sends a strong signal to the police to get their act together.
Vijayan also appears to have realised that the LDF’s poll promise of 25 lakh jobs can only be realised through IT.
Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac will have a vital role to play in the implementation of the pending GST, whose introduction is likely to benefit the destination State.
Excise Minister TP Ramakrishnan’s measures will be keenly watched, given the political ramifications of the liquor policy.
Ports Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally will have to oversee the implementation of the mega Vizhinjam seaport project.
The CPI(M)’s EP Jayarajan will hold the charge of industry.