Poor in forward communities get ten per cent reservation

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 3 (UNI) The Kerala Government today decided to grant ten per cent reservation for economically-backward students of forward communities in degree and post-graduate courses in affiliated colleges in the state.

Briefing reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said it was also decided to allot 7.5 per cent reservation in university departments for such students.

He said the Cabinet also gave clearance for acquiring 70 acres for the IT Cyber Park in Kozhikode.

It was also decided to provide first grade status to seven Industrial Training Instiutes (ITIs) and also to improve their facilities.

Asked about the alleged exploitation of water at the recently opened infotainment park, promoted by a CPI(M) co-operative in Kannur, Mr Achuthanandan said he would comment only after studying it.

The park was opened amid controversy over the absence of Mr Achuthanandan at its inaugural function.

Mr Achutanandan had always stood against wastage of water while he was Leader of the Opposition.

UNI PN SJ/PMM LS CS1352