LDF Govt to take steps to implement Sachar Committee report

Thiruvananthapuram, July 19 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told the State Assembly today that his government would take whatever steps possible to implement the recommendations of the Rajinder Sachar Committee which went into the backwardness of the Muslim community.

Replying to a Calling Attention by Mr K T Jaleel (CPM-Ind), he said appointment of a special officer in this regard would also be considered.

Mr Achuthanandan said presently Muslims enjoyed reservation in admission to educational institutions and appointments in government services.

Responding to a submission by Mr C P Mohammed (Cong), Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran said the State Groundwater Authority was looking into the complaints about over-exploitation of groundwater by Pepsi company in Pudussery panchayat of Palakkad district and steps would be taken against the company on getting the report.

He said the Subjects Committee of the Assembly had also pointed out over-exploitation of groundwater by the company.

Replying to another submission by Mr K Babu (Cong), Revenue Minister K P Rajendran denied reports that the eviction drive against encroachers in Munnar had been suspended.

He said required surveyors and other staff had been stationed in Munnar and necessary funds were made available to them to continue the drive to retrieve government land from encroachers.

Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac told Mr V N Vasavan (CPI-M) that the Centre would be urged to ban future trading in natural rubber or bring severe restrictions in the context of wide fluctuations in rubber prices.

He said rubber growers, dealers and tyre manufacturers had come out against future trading as it helped only a small group of speculative traders.

UNI