Thiruvananthapuram 01-02-2012: Cabinet has decided to refer the financial bid of Welspun consortium to the empowered committee as they have obtained the security clearance from the centre, said CM. He was briefing the cabinet decisions here.

Toll collection along the Edapally- Mannuthy NH can be started only after completing the work of the footpaths in the seven bridges along the stretch, said CM. If the work of the service road has not been completed within six months toll collection would be stalled. Cabinet has also accorded sanction to start the work of the 27.6 kms of approach road at a cost of 41 crore.

The temporary hospital at base camp at Nilakkal will be upgraded to a permanent hospital and it has been decided to sanction 7 new posts including the post of 2 doctors there. 25.2 lakhs have been sanctioned to meet the expenses, said CM.

18 crores have been sanctioned to Water Authority to carry out the urgent maintenance works of various drinking water projects across the state, said CM.

Out of the five qualified girl directors from Sreechitra Poor Home and Cheshire Home whose films are to be screened at the Taiwan Film Festival, four of them will be sent as delegates and they will be given 5 lakhs each for the purpose.

It has also been decided to start Kerala Academy for Skill Excellence at Thiruvananthapuram with CM as Chairman and Minister for Labour as Vice Chairman, including Ministers for Industries, Finance, Education and Rural Development, Planning and Vice Chairman of State Planning Board as members.

Rathan Khelkhar- Additional Director of Tourism, Director of GKSF- has been shifted to Kannur as District Collector.

Financial position has been examined, said CM and added that though there are many difficulties, no crisis situation prevails. Fall in tax revenue has contributed to this. The financial review of all departments has begun with the review of revenue department. Since no regular agenda has been adopted the same will be discussed in tomorrow's cabinet meeting at 8 am, said CM.