News and Views

Thiruvananthapuram: As many as 44 aided schools have sought closure in the State. 

Of them, five have already been closed down on government orders and four on orders from the High Court. One is pending before the Court.

As per data obtained by RTI Kerala Federation, 19 of the schools, which have not been formally closed down, have no students. However, there are 12 teachers and a headmaster in four of the schools.

CPI (M) Central Committee member E. P. Jayarajan resigned as Kerala Minister for Industries on Friday.
The resignation followed his admission of guilt in the appointment of his relative as Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises under the Industries Department at the party State Secretariat meeting here.  The Secretariat “allowed him to resign” as requested by the Minister.

Director of Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau has decided on a preliminary enquiry into the allegations of nepotism against Industries Minister E. P. Jayarajan on Thursday.

However, orders are yet to be issued. The Vigilance will convey its decision to the Vigilance Court when public interest litigation comes up for consideration before the Court on Friday.

Thiruvananthapuram: Additional Chief Secretary (Home & Vigilance) Nalini Netto and Director General of Police Loknath Behra called on Governor P. Sathasivam on Thursday to explain the law and order situation in the State after the Governor expressed concern political murders in Kannur district.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Cabinet on Thursday decided to bring a legislation to prevent nepotism in appointments to quasi government institutions.

The decision is against the background of allegations against Industries Minister E. P. Jayarajan over appointing his relatives and relatives of other CPI (M) leaders to key posts in public sector units.  

The Cabinet asked the Chief Secretary S. M. Vijayanand to examine the allegations.