Kerala to implement Kisan Sree insurance scheme

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 18 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said the Government will implement 'Kisan Sree', an insurance scheme for farmers in the State.

Briefing reporters after a Cabinet meeting here, he said the Cabinet approved the scheme, under which the Government would remit the premium.

However, further decisions in this regard would be taken later, he said, adding that the Cabinet approved the suggestions submitted by the Agriculture department.

Mr Achuthanandan said the Cabinet also decided to provide three kg of rice to all children, who were being provided noon meals, during the new year.

He informed that the Cabinet had given the nod for the Rs 7,605 crore plan outlay for 2008-09.

The Cabinet also decided to appoint Mr Rajiv Sadanandan, IAS, as the new Chairman of the Kerala State Electricity Board.

Mr Achuthanandan said the Government also decided to build a 25-bedded hospital, including a mini surgery theatre, at Sannidhanam in the hill shrine of Sabarimala for providing emergency medical help to devotees.

He said the British Library authorities called on him and discussed the closure of the library here. He had informed them that the Government wanted to retain the library and was ready for providing assistance for the same, he added.

UNI