High-level meet reviews governance initiatives in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: A high-level review meeting chaired by chief secretary A Jayathilak was held at the Secretariat on Wednesday to assess the progress of various governance, infrastructure and disaster management initiatives in the state. Meeting was attended by department secretaries, heads of departments, district collectors and other senior officials.The meeting reviewed issues including transition from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG), preparations for school reopening, census-related activities, snakebite prevention measures, monsoon preparedness and progress of national highway development works.Additional chief secretary of food and civil supplies department briefed the meeting on the shift from LPG usage to PNG connectivity. The meeting observed that public was willing to switch to PNG if uninterrupted supply could be ensured. The chief secretary directed district collectors to convene meetings involving all stakeholders to expedite the process. PNG companies were asked to resolve supply-related issues and speed up road-cutting permissions required for infrastructure development.Reviewing preparations for reopening of schools on June 1, principal secretary of general education department informed the meeting that printing and distribution of textbooks would be completed by May 31. Around 65% of textbooks have already been distributed through Kudumbashree units, while the remaining books would also be delivered on time. The meeting was also informed that distribution of school uniform materials through handloom department is progressing and arrangements for aided schools had been completed.Procedures for issuing fitness certificates to schools ahead of reopening were also discussed. The chief secretary stressed that there should be no compromise on safety matters. District collectors were directed to monitor school preparedness over the next two weeks and conduct inspections wherever necessary.On census preparations, general administration department secretary directed district collectors to complete all pending activities within the stipulated timeframe. Officials were also instructed to hold district-level review meetings, conduct field visits and strengthen monitoring using technology.Chief wildlife warden Pramod G Krishnan briefed the meeting on snakebite prevention and preparedness measures. The meeting directed authorities to expand use of Sarpa mobile application and conduct awareness programmes in schools. District collectors were asked to coordinate with education and local self-govt departments to clear bushes and strengthen preventive measures in vulnerable areas. It was also decided to utilise Victers educational channel for awareness campaigns.The chief secretary directed that Rs 1 crore each be sanctioned immediately to all districts for flood mitigation and related activities.