'Centre to consider increase of Kerala's ration quota'

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 6 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar have assured him that necessary steps would be taken to reinstate the ration quota of rice to the state.

Briefing Cabinet decisions to mediapersons here, he said that he had held discussions with the Prime Minister and the Agriculture Minister regarding the issue during his visit to New Delhi recently.

Claiming that the price of rice had come down in the open market following the measures taken by the government, he said it would take steps to provide 'matta' rice at Rs 14 per kg and white rice at Rs 13.50.

Mr Achuthanandan said the government would provide sufficient land for the expansion of Karippur airport and the Airports Authority of India should give the value of the land as equity shares to the Government.

He said the Cabinet also decided to take back all the lands illegally possessed by Harrison Malayalam Plantations. If necessary, a survey would also be conducted for the purpose.

UNI