Thiruvananthapuram – Eranakulam rail electrification commissioned.

Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad commissioned the central electrification of the Thiruvananthapuram – Ernakulam Junction stretch of railway track at a ceremony held at the Thiruvananthapuram central railway station on December 31, 2006. He also laid the foundation stone for the modernization of the Thiruvananthapruam central station. A fully air – conditioned train – Garib Rath – which will make journey between Thiruvananthapruam and New Delhi possible for Rs.600, will start service within two months, the minister said. He also said that the demands made by the Chief minister of Kerala would be favorably looked into in the next budget and the centre would provide all its support to the state. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan presided over the ceremony.

Kerala Farmers’ Debt Relief Commission Bill passed

The Kerala Legislative Assembly on December 29, 2006 passed the Kerala Farmers’ Debt Relief Commission Bill, 2006. The Bill envisages the setting up of a Farmers’ Debt Relief Commission with powers to adjudicate on petitions relating to farmers’ debt, fix outstanding debts at fair limits, negotiate settlement of disputes and recommended to the Government cases that genuinely deserve to be written off.

The Commission would have a retired High court judge as its chairman and a farm expert, two farmers, a person closely associated with the cooperative financing sector as members.

Plastic carry bags below 50 microns banned in state

In view of the increasing cases of epidemics and their environmental problems, the Government of Kerala has decided to ban the production, storing, consumption, distribution and transportation of plastic bottles, carry bags and cups below 50 microns. The powers to implement the ban will rest with the district collector, police officials, sales tax officials, pollution control board and local self Government officials. Those who violate the concerned rule will have to pay a fine of Rs. 1 lakh and imprisonment up to five years or both as per the Environment (Protection) Rules

Government to acquire 500 acres of land for Technocity

The Kerala Cabinet on December 04, 2005 decided to acquire 500 acres of land in Kazhakuttom constituency for development of the proposed Technocity. The acquisition would be done in a fast track basis. The Technocity will be developed as a huge Information Technology township with flats, schools, hospitals and basic amenities.

Professional course entrance exam : dates announced

The dates for the entrance test for engineering and medical courses in Kerala, 2007, have been announced. It will be held from April 23 to 27, 2007. The timetable announced by the Commissioner for Entrance Examination is as follows : Engineering paper 1 (Physics and Chemistry) - April 23, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon., Engineering paper 2 (Mathematics) - April 24, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon, Medical paper 1 (Chemistry and Physics) - April 25, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon, Medical paper 2 (Biology) - April 26, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon, Architecture paper 1 (Aesthetic sensitivity), April 27, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon, paper 2 (Drawing), April 27, 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm.