Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 15 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan Sunday turned his Independence Day address into an occasion for highlighting his government’s performance in the past four years.
In his speech after taking the salute at a function here, the chief minister expressed deep concern that the peace of the country was being affected by subversive forces.
‘Peace in the country is being affected by detractors within the country and from outside and our forces have done a good job to thwart such attempts. A section of people among many religions are whipping up passions by saying they are the only good ones. We should take a pledge to remain united,’ said Achuthanandan.
With the local bodies poll likely to be held in October and assembly polls in May next year, Achuthanandan went on to enumerate the achievements of his government.
‘We have a time-bound plan for the homeless and in the next few months all will have a home. Social pensions which stood at Rs.110-120 when we came in have been raised to Rs.300,’ the chief minister said.
He also took a dig at the central government, saying that price rise has plagued the society like never before.
‘States are not getting their share of food grains and this is happening at a time when food grains are rotting in godowns. The Food Security Act should not be delayed any more and 35 kg of rice should be given at Rs.2 a kg, likewise more subsidies should be given,’ said Achuthanandan.
He also pointed out that sports has been made a subject of the school curriculum.
‘All the government hospitals are now fully equipped. Work at the Kannur International Airport (the fourth international airport in Kerala) would begin on Nov 1, while the basic infrastructure work which the state government is doing for the proposed Vizhinjam International Port will begin Monday,’ said Achuthanandan.
His cabinet colleagues took the salute at the other 13 district headquarters.
