Thiruvananthapuram 11-01-2012: CM today said that Government has not imposed any moratorium on government postings. He was briefing the cabinet decisions here. So far 40,000 vacancies have been reported in various departments and 20,000 new posts have been created after this Government assumed power. Out of the 20,000 posts more than 13,000 are teaching posts, said CM.

CM said that postings will be made against all reported vacancies in all departments and stern action will be taken against those officials who fail to report the vacancies in time. CM also said that the controversy over the alleged imposition of moratorium is totally baseless.

Kochi Metro

Regarding the Kochi Metro Rail Project the CM said that Government is not ready for any sort of controversies over the matter and added that Mr E Sreedharan will have the last word regarding the project. Detailed discussion will be held with E Sreedharan tomorrow. CM himself and other ministers concerned will hold detailed discussion with regard to Kochi Metro Rail Project.

CM said that the Government is ready for a joint mechanism with Tamil Nadu only on water regulation. An affidavit to this effect had been filed by the then Government in October 2010.

Government is determined to ensure the availability of medicines at reasonable price in the state, said CM. Any move to quark this decision will be viewed seriously and strict action will be taken against the responsible.

Cabinet has also decided to hike the stipend of dental PG students. Government will sanction Rs 3.5 crores for the implementation of the second phase of ‘Sparsham’ – a rehabilitation programme in Kozhikode district.

Master Shyam Das who got injured while participating in sports competition has been sanctioned Rs 8 lakhs towards treatment expenses, said CM.

In the wake of K Mohandas who informed his inconvenience to take over as Chief Secretary, cabinet has decided to extend the tenure of the present Chief Secretary Dr P Prabhakaran.