Kerala Takes Historic Leap Today,To Be Officially Declared Extreme Poverty-Free

The grand announcement, scheduled for a state-level function in Thiruvananthapuram, marks the culmination of the highly targeted Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP)

Student leaders selected for Childrens Day rally and public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram

IISER Thiruvananthapuram celebrates 17th foundation day

Unauthorised constructions continue unabated on Varkala Cliff

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rampant unauthorised constructions continue unabated along the iconic Varkala Cliff, which was recently included in UNESCOs tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Despite repeated directives and decisions by the district administration and municipal authorities, little has changed on the ground. Illegal structures continue to mushroom on the fragile and fast-eroding cliff, posing a grave threat to its ecological stability and heritage value. The recent violation has emerged on the North Cliff, where erosion has been the worst in recent times. The Varkala Municipality has identified around 61 unauthorised constructions on the cliff. Allegations are rife that the inaction by the municipality authorities is the primary reason for the growing violation on the cliff. The authorities have been serving notices and violators continue with the construction. Taking immediate action is the only way to curb such unscientific construction inflicting damage to the cliff, said Sanjay Sahadevan, advisor to Varkala Tourism Development Association (VTDA). A local resident alleged that the construction activities are happening after dawn. Despite complaints, they continue construction work. The municipal authorities have served notices to all properties located in the same row and are turning a blind eye to new constructions, said a local resident. Last year in May, huge holes appeared on the cliff, triggering safety concerns and since then the cliff has been shrinking rapidly. Subsequently, the vigilance department, district administration and municipality authorities launched a comprehensive survey and identified many violations. Apart from serving notices, the authorities have failed to take any solid step to remove the encroachment and protect the cliff and visitors. Every year, 50,000 foreign tourists visit Varkala on an average. The 6.1-km-long red laterite cliff is a major attraction, drawing even scores of domestic tourists. The conservation project of the cliff, which was declared a Geo Heritage Site by the Geological Survey of India in 2014, has been long pending. Varkala Municipality secretary Mithran G told TNIE that the local body has served notices to many illegal constructions and steps will be taken to knock down the structures immediately. He said that illegal structures have been served with vacation notices. We have served them notice and we will initiate action against them with the help of police, he said. They should remove all valuables from their properties and report back to the municipality and we will soon initiate steps to demolish the structures, he added.

10-day Alpashy fest concludes with arattu ceremony

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The annual Alpashy festival at Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple concluded with the arattu ceremony on Thursday. In the evening, hundreds of devotees accompanied the colourful arattu procession to the Shankumukham beach carrying the idols of Sree Padmanabha Swamy and other deities. At 4.30pm, the idols were taken from the sanctum to mathilakam. The idols of Sree Padmanabha Swamy, Sree Narasimha and Sree Thiruvambadi Sreekrishna were taken through the east gopuram. Members of the Kerala Police accorded the customary salute. The arattu procession featuring elephants and traditional temple orchestra was led by Sree Moolam Tirunal Ramavarma, head of the erstwhile Travancore royal family. The procession passed through the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport where flight operations were suspended until the conclusion of the ceremony. The idols were placed at the Shankumukham mandapam first and then given the ritualistic bath in the sea. Temple thantri led the arattu rituals including abhishekam using sea water and turmeric.The 10-day festival concluded with the arattu procession reaching the temple.

Drunk ex-Coast Guard officer murders mother

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A former Coast Guard officer allegedly murdered his 76-year-old mother after she objected to him consuming excess alcohol, at their residence in Kalliyoor under Nemom police station on Wednesday night. The police said Ajayakumar killed his mother Vijayakumari, a retired police ministerial staff, by slitting her throat and wrists around 11.30pm. He has been arrested. As per the police, Ajayakumar had been staying with his mother for some time. His wife and daughter stayed separately as his alcohol addiction was affecting the childs studies. The neighbours said the mother-son duo would often argue over his alcohol addiction. On Wednesday night, Vijayakumari chided Ajayakumar for having excess alcohol. Sources in the area said Ajayakumar, who was known for turning violent when drunk, attacked her with a knife he took from the kitchen. The womans neck was almost severed. Both her wrists and the Achilles tendon in one of her legs were slit, said an officer. Though neighbours rushed to the spot after hearing the commotion, they could not get near as Ajayakumar remained aggressive. A police source said in the past, too, Ajayakumar had created a ruckus in the neighbourhood, getting into altercation with residents, while inebriated. Ajayakumar is severely addicted to alcohol. He had purchased around 12 bottles of liquor under service quota and via other means. His wife had recently hid some bottles as she knew he would go on a drinking spree otherwise. On Wednesday night, his mother objected to his continuous drinking, which culminated in the cold-blooded murder, said an officer. The neighbours said though he was admitted to a de-addiction centre earlier, Ajayakumar did not mend his ways and returned to drinking heavily.

Deepa chides Satheesan for frequent absence from crucial party meetings

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The meeting convened by the Congress high command to oversee the crucial assembly election preparation in Kerala witnessed unprecedented scenes after the AICC general secretary in charge of the state openly criticised the Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan. Satheesan and KPCC president Sunny Joseph engaged in a blame game triggering heated exchanges between the two, forcing Rahul Gandhis intervention. The meeting held at Indira Bhavan in Delhi and chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, was attended by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. The meeting was convened to review organisational status and election readiness in the state. After Kharge and Rahul individually met leaders, Sunny, Satheesan, K Muraleedharan, Ramesh Chennithala, M M Hassan, Kodikkunnil Suresh, Shashi Tharoor and the three working presidents, the high command convened a joint session of all leaders. During the session, Deepa Dasmunsi, AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, launched a sharp criticism against Satheesan without naming him. She reportedly told the high command that a certain leaders (Satheesan) habit of skipping crucial meetings with excuses, had cost the organisation dearly. Her comments took state leaders by surprise. A disappointed Rahul Gandhi said that such behaviour is unacceptable and that all leaders must ensure their participation in party meetings, a leader present at the meeting told TNIE. Though no one defended Satheesan, he later alleged that he had been excluded from organisational decisions since the new leadership took charge. He pointed to the recently released list of KPCC office-bearers and claimed that he was not consulted before finalising it. I was not consulted while the new KPCC general secretaries and vice-presidents were appointed, Satheesan reportedly said. KPCC president Sunny Joseph rejected this allegation, telling the high command that he had contacted Satheesan two or three times before finalising the list. Adequate consultation was made with all sections, including senior leaders and former KPCC presidents alike, he said. Rahul Gandhi reminded Kerala leaders that the Congress traditionally does not announce the CM candidate before the assembly election. Priyanka Gandhi called for unity among leaders. In separate one-on- one meetings with Kharge and Rahul, several leaders complained about the overarching influence of the three working presidents- A P Anil Kumar, Shafi Parambil and P C Vishnunadh- in organisational matters. It was reportedly alleged that the trio was taking advantage of the new KPCC presidents inexperience to assert excessive control over party affairs. Taking note of the disunity within the state leadership, the AICC decided to form a core committee to oversee the organisational matters ahead of the assembly election. Unlike the existing jumbo committees, the new panel will be smaller and will include KPCC president, parliamentary party leader, working presidents and former KPCC presidents. Both Deepa Dasmunsi and Satheesan did not respond to queries.

A project that took MPI route and involved multiple depts, agencies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala will declare itself the first extreme poverty-free state in the country on November 1. Though the governments claim has set off a debate across the nation, the journey it took it has been remarkable. The formal declaration -- to be made at a stellar event scheduled to be held at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, in Thiruvananthapuram -- will help Kerala conform with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of no poverty and zero hunger. As per latest World Bank criteria, people living on less than $3 a day are considered to be living in extreme poverty. Its journey to eradicate extreme poverty took Kerala on the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) framework route -- which incorporates nutritious food, housing, cleanliness, education, and basic facilities. The key reasons for extreme poverty were identified as lack of housing, livelihood issues, ill-health due to chronic diseases, and the lack of access to government welfare schemes due to a lack of proper documents. Kerala took up the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project in 2021. It began with a survey conducted by officials with the local self-government department and women self-help networks, including Asha workers and Anganwadi staff. Support was also extended by the LIFE Mission, various government departments, including education and health, NGOs, and resident associations. The survey identified 64,006 families (1,03,099 people, 0.2% of the states population) falling under this category, in over 1,032 local bodies. The state, in its budget, allocated Rs 50 crore each in 2023-24 and 2024-25 towards the project. A sum of Rs 60 crore was earmarked in 2025. A total of 5,422 new houses were built and 5,522 houses renovated. Nearly 28.32 acres of land were distributed to 439 families, and 34,672 families were provided with an additional income of Rs 77 crore through the unskilled work sector. Moreover, 21,263 families received essential services and documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, UDID, electoral ID, and health insurance through a single government order. The government kept a close check on LSG bodies to avoid the usual complaints of executional delays. On April 13, 2025, Dharmadom was declared the first extreme poverty-free constituency. Kottayam was named the first extreme poverty-free district on June 28. Drama in the run-up The final measure as part of the state governments Extreme Poverty Eradication Project was quite dramatic. After the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the chief minister along with other ministers made their way into the conference room, where a dashboard of the project was on display. Just one glance showed that just one family, from central Kerala, was left on the list. In keeping with the cabinet decision, the stamp duty on the house and property purchased for the family by the local self-government department was immediately waived. The very next moment, the dashboard went empty. The government had scripted history.

Kerala to be declared extreme-poverty free from Nov 1

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Pinarayi Vijayan government prepares to declare Kerala the first state in the country free from extreme poverty on November 1 Kerala Piravi Day several distinguished economists and social activists have raised serious questions about the credibility of the data and methodology used for the claim. In an open letter addressed to the state government on Thursday, the 24 signatories, including social activist R V G Menon, economists M A Oommen and K P Kannan, former TNIE editor M K Das, and others, urged the government to release an authoritative study report that identifies the extremely poor and validates the poverty eradication process. The missive highlighted that the governments announcement based on a public-participation survey identifying 64,006 extremely poor families lacks transparency on how the data were compiled and what parameters were applied. The survey, conducted from July 2021, classified families as extremely poor using four criteria: food security, safe shelter, basic income, and health status. However, the signatories questioned the authenticity of the survey and demanded to know which expert committee had conducted it. It also highlighted inconsistencies between official data and government claims. As per the Kerala Economic Review 2024, there are 5.92 lakh families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) the poorest category under the National Food Security Act, 2013. These families currently receive free rice and wheat from the state government, with the Centre providing the grains at subsidised rates. If Kerala has only 64,006 extremely poor families, does that mean the AAY category will cease to exist? Will the Centres assistance under this scheme also end? the letter asked. It questioned whether the extremely poor being referred to are simply the destitute families identified earlier under the Ashraya Scheme, launched in 2002 to aid the most vulnerable households. The letter also sought clarity on whether the current programme is a continuation or repackaged version of Ashraya, which had initially identified 1.18 lakh families later reduced to 64,006. Further, they pointed to discrepancies in tribal data. According to the 2011 Census, there were 4.85 lakh tribal people in Kerala, many of them living in extreme poverty. Yet, in the new estimate, only 6,400 have been classified as extremely poor -- just 5.5% of the total. What magic has happened to alleviate their poverty? the letter asked pointedly. The group demanded that the government clarify the surveys methodology, including whether it was reviewed by the state statistics department or the planning board, and whether the poverty parameters used conform to national or international standards. Eradicating extreme poverty is a grave socio-economic challenge and not a matter for political propaganda, the letter stated. In an open letter addressed to the state government on Thursday, the 24 signatories, including social activist R V G Menon, economists M A Oommen and K P Kannan, former TNIE editor M K Das, and others demanded that the government clarify the surveys methodology, including whether it was reviewed by the state statistics department or the planning board, and whether the poverty parameters used conform to national or international standards.

Sivankutty fires fresh salvo a day after truce

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after key LDF allies stitched up a truce on the PM SHRI issue, senior CPM leader and General Education Minister V Sivankutty lashed out at CPI leaders, including his cabinet colleague G R Anil, and its youth and student wings for objectionable remarks and needless protests. Meanwhile, CPI central secretariat member K Praksh Babu, one among the CPI leaders Sivankutty chastised, expressed regrets over his remarks against CPM general secretary M A Baby. CPIs youth arm AIYF also apologised to the minister. Hitting out at Anil, Sivankutty alleged that the food and civil supplies minister made an insulting remark on him when he visited the CPI state committee office to hold discussions, with state secretary Binoy Viswam on the PM SHRI issue. Sivankutty told reporters that Anil made the belittling remarks to the media and spoke as if an insignificant person had walked into their office. Sivankutty alleged Prakash Babu used improper language against Baby. Using words such as helpless while referring to Babys stand on the matter was totally unacceptable, he said. The AISF and AIYF also came in for sharp criticism from Sivankutty who accused both the outfits of overstepping all limits. He alleged that the CPI affiliates tried to portray him as communal, ignoring his political history. Asked by reporters about his cabinet colleagues remarks, Anil said he was surprised to hear that. He and Sivankutty knew each other since their student days, Anil said, adding he had never used any offensive words about anyone. Prakash Babu told reporters that he called up Baby to personally express regret and thanked him for his intervention to resolve the issue.AIYF also apologised to the leader. There are indications that the CPI leadership directed its youth wing to apologise. The general education departments signing of MoU with the Union government on implementation of PM SHRI had worsened the relations between the CPM and the CPI. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced constitution of a 7-member cabinet subcommittee to study CPIs concerns on PM SHRI, leading to a truce between the parties.

TNIE coffee table book on Padma temple released

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Rajendra Arlekar released ANANTHA, a coffee table book on Sree Padmanabhawamy temple brought out by The New Indian Express (TNIE), at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday. The book will serve as a guide that reveals many aspects of the temple, Arlekar said on the occasion. It will help people understand what the temple stands for. I have visited there, but the book revealed that there are places and things in the temple complex that I havent seen. So, the book is a big help and aid for us, Arlekar said. Lauding the books design, he said that it will attract everyone. Going through the book itself is a spiritual journey. I wish TNIE undertakes more such initiatives to highlight the unique features of the culturally and spiritually rich state of Kerala, he said. After the function, the governor interacted with TNIE CEO Lakshmi Menon, Resident Editor-Kerala Kiran Prakash and General Manager-Kerala and Head, Special Publications, Vishnukumar. Senior manager S Krishna Sarma, deputy general manager (sales) Nandu Kalesh, chief manager (marketing) S Padmakumar, assistant editor M S Vidyanandan and Hari Prabhakaran (consultant) were also present.

Potti remanded, shifted to Thiruvananthapuram special sub-jail

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Ranni, remanded Unnikrishnan Potti, the first accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, in judicial custody on Thursday. He has been shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub-Jail. According to sources, Potti will be produced again in the court on November 3 on the basis of a production warrant. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had also produced the gold recovered from Bellary before the court. The remand followed the expiry of his police custody period. Meanwhile, SIT officials reportedly seized several land and financial transaction documents from his Bengaluru flat. Preliminary findings indicate that Potti owns properties worth several crores in Kerala and Karnataka.

Researchers from Kerala identify rare scrub typhus case in Dubai-returned man from Thiruvananthapuram

According to official figures, around thousand scrub typhus cases are reported each year in Kerala, 70% of which are from Thiruvananthapuram and the rest are from Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki and Kollam

Sabarimala Gold Scam: Kerala Court Remands Prime Accused to Judicial Custody

Potty, who was taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold scam earlier this month, will be sent to the Thiruvananthapuram sub-jail

Railway Board clears Keralas first airport station near Cochin International Airport

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major boost to air-rail connectivity in Kerala, the Railway Board has approved the proposed Nedumbassery Airport Railway Station near Cochin International Airport - the first railway station in the state to come up adjacent to an airport. Reliable sources said the project has received the board's nod, and fund allocation along with the tendering process is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Though the Nedumbassery Airport station will initially function as a halt station or a small station between Angamaly and Chowwara, officials said it is expected to grow into one of the key railway hubs in the state, given its proximity to the international airport. Many passengers bound for the airport are likely to prefer train travel to avoid traffic congestion. The railway will ensure that major trains halt here once the station becomes operational, a senior Railway Board officer said. Sources said the fund allocation and tendering process will begin after a detailed assessment of the project report. Since the board has granted approval, the remaining steps are expected to progress without much delay. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is personally monitoring the project, considering its importance. Being Kerala's first airport railway station, it will feature state-of-the-art design and passenger facilities, a source added. The Railways is also exploring measures to enhance seamless connectivity between the station and the airport, keeping in mind the large number of international travellers expected to use the facility. The station will come up almost parallel to the airport, and special efforts will be made to ensure convenient transit for passengers between the two points, a source said. Meanwhile, tour operators have suggested that the Railways utilise the opportunity to promote Kerala's local products through special kiosks at the new station. Like the 'One Station, One Product' initiative, the Railways should consider setting up special stalls here where tourists can buy authentic local food products and handicrafts. This should be done in coordination with the state tourism department. Such a move will benefit tourists, farmers, and artisans alike, while ensuring travellers get genuine products at affordable prices, said George Thomas, a Kochi-based tour operator.

Son stabs mother to death under influence of alcohol in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 74-year-old woman was stabbed to death by her son, who was in an inebriated state, at their residence at Kalliyoor in Thiruvananthapuram district on Wednesday night. Vijayakumari, a retired government employee, was fatally stabbed on her neck by her son, Ajaya Kumar. Vijayakumari was stabbed in her neck with a broken liquor bottle. Ajaya Kumar was staying with his mother after being separated from his wife.The sources said Vijayakumari often had a tiff with her son over the latter's alcohol addiction. When her son was consuming alcohol at their house, Vijayakumari reportedly questioned him, following which they had a tussle. This culminated in Vijayakumari being stabbed on her neck.

Kerala, NIE launch multi-district study to trace causes of amoebic brain fever

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department, in collaboration with the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai, has initiated a multi-district field study to investigate the causes of amoebic meningoencephalitis (amoebic brain fever). The study, which began in Kozhikode, will extend to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Malappuram, Health Minister Veena George said on Tuesday. The move comes amid a surge in cases and ongoing challenges in pinpointing the underlying causes of the infection. The state has reported 144 confirmed cases of amoebic brain fever and 30 related deaths so far this year. The initiative follows a high-level technical workshop held by the department in August last year, which brought together experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Institute of Advanced Virology Kerala (IAV), Pondicherry AV Institute, Indian Institute of Science and Pollution Control Board. The minister emphasised that the state has adopted robust measures for the treatment and prevention of the disease. While amoebic brain fever has a global fatality rate of 99%, Kerala has reduced mortality to 24% through early detection and specialised care, she said. The department had earlier directed that patients diagnosed with meningitis also undergo testing for amoebic brain fever. For the first time in India, Kerala developed a specific protocol for amoebic meningoencephalitis after conducting a national-level workshop.

Nirnaya to offer low-cost diagnostic services in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George on Wednesday announced the launch of Nirnaya a hub-and-spoke model of diagnostic services aimed at providing affordable, near-home testing facilities for the public. She was distributing the Ardra Kerala, Kayakalp, MBHFI, and Nurses Awards of the State Health Department at a function in Thiruvananthapuram. The initiative being implemented by the health department in collaboration with India Post will link around 1,300 laboratories across the state to offer a comprehensive range of 131 diagnostic tests. Eligible individuals will receive free testing, while others can avail the services at affordable rates. The goal has been to make hospitals both people-friendly and patient-friendly. Infrastructure has been improved across all hospitals from community health centres to medical colleges, Veena said. The minister also launched the PH App, KASP Health Mobile App and Web Portal, and unveiled the logo and web portal of the Shruthi Tharangam Project at the event. From next year, public health legislation will be included in the evaluation criteria for the Ardra Kerala Award, she said. Local self-government (LSG) institutions should prepare micro-plans and strengthen preventive health activities, with the effectiveness of these initiatives also being factored into the award criteria, Veena said. LSG Minister M B Rajesh presided over the function. He said that local bodies have been making major interventions in the field of public health, and that their support for the health sector is visible.

Consumer panel orders dealer to refund Rs 3.34 lakh after cars gearbox falls off

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) has directed a vehicle dealer to refund Rs 3.34 lakh to a customer, a retired SI, after the gearbox of the car he bought fell off while driving. The recent order was issued on the appeal petition filed by the dealer against a favourable order secured by the customer from the Kasaragod CDRC. The complainant said he purchased the Hyundai car in March 2013. The vehicle met with an accident in September 2014 and the dealer repaired it for Rs 72,838. He alleged on April 14, 2015, while he was driving the car with his family, the gear system disengaged from the engine and the gearbox fell off. He alleged that the vehicle had a manufacturing defect besides being improperly serviced. However, the dealer said the vehicle did not have a manufacturing defect as alleged and was last serviced on January 20, 2015. He blamed mishandling, negligent use and driving for the accident. The two-year warranty period had expired and the complainant refused to pay Rs 30,000 for repair, he said in the plea. The Kasaragod commission had directed the vehicle manufacturer and dealer to refund the purchase price of Rs 3,34,000, and pay an additional Rs 25,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 as other costs. Hearing the appeal petition, the SCDRC bench of president Justice B Sudheendra Kumar, judicial member D Ajith Kumar and member K R Radhakrishnan observed that the dealer failed to state how mishandling or rough use of the vehicle resulted in the accident. It said the dealer could not notice any sign of external impact on the vehicle to infer mishandling led to the accident, and that the dealer, also the service provider, serviced the vehicle regularly till January 20, 2015 and was hence answerable for the unusual accident in April. The SCDRC said the dealer did not offer free repair which, he was ought to do. Since he ruled out a manufacturing defect, the vehicle manufacturer could not be held liable.

Russian house director Ratheesh C Nair awarded badge of honour

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Russian house director and the Honorary Consul of Russia in Trivandrum, Ratheesh C Nair, was presented with a badge of honour for international cooperation by the Foreign Ministry of Russia. Signed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the medal was presented by the department for Liaisons with the Constituent Entities of the Federation Director Igor N Kapyrin, at a function held in the Russian Geographical Society headquarters in Moscow. The first deputy to the Russian Geographical Society executive director, Ilia Gurov, and the Federal Agency for International Cooperation deputy head, Dmitry Polikanov also attended. Earlier presented with notable honours, including the Order of Friendship and the Pushkin Medal from the President of Russia, Ratheesh has been serving as Russias Honorary Consul since 2008.

Portable ABC unit launched at Thiruvananthapuram's Nedumangad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to enhance stray dog management and control its population, the state has launched the first-ever portable ABC centre on Wednesday at Nedumangad municipality in Thiruvananthapuram. Inaugurating the unit, Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchurani announced that seven more portable ABC units in Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kannur districts will be implemented this financial year. This is the first step towards finding a sustainable solution to the stray dog menace that has become a growing public concern. The government has earmarked Rs 12 crore in this years budget to expand the portable ABC model, which will help implement sterilisation and vaccination programmes efficiently, without any hindrances often faced by static centres, said Chinchurani. The Nedumangad municipality has provided the land, water, and electricity facilities for the unit which is equipped with an air-conditioned operation theatre. The unit will initially sterilise stray dogs in the municipality, with a team of two veterinary surgeons carrying out 7 to 10 sterilisation surgeries per day over the next 45 days. The government has fixed a rate of Rs 2,200 per animal. Municipality chairperson Sreeja C S said it was a matter of pride that Nedumangad became the first local body in the country to launch a portable ABC centre. This innovative model will make stray dog management more practical, humane, and efficient, she said. Sterilised dogs will be housed in 35 specially designed cages near the centre for four to five days after surgery, during which they will receive medical care, food, and anti-rabies vaccination before being released back to their original locations.

PM SHRI row: LDF breathes easy after long parleys find solution

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ending the week-long standoff between CPM and CPI over the PM SHRI scheme on Wednesday, the other front partners in the LDF finally breathed a sigh of relief. The ruling front was sailing through rough waters after CPI openly cornered and questioned the chief ministers collective responsibility over not informing them about the signing of the scheme. The confrontation reached a critical level before the cabinet meeting with all eyes on the CPI leadership, which had warned it would boycott the meeting if the CPM failed to meet its demand. On Wednesday morning, CPM general secretary M A Baby, who played a key role in resolving the impasse, informed his CPI counterpart D Raja of the CPMs position following its available state secretariat meeting attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, state secretary M V Govindan, Minister K N Balagopal and other senior leaders. He reportedly said that the government would put the scheme on hold until a cabinet committee submitted its report addressing the concerns raised by CPI. Raja in turn conveyed this to the CPI state leadership which convened the state secretariat meeting to discuss the proposal and decided to hold a final round of talks with CPM leadership. Around 12.20 pm, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, along with assistant secretaries P P Suneer and Satyan Mokeri, arrived at the AKG Centre and held discussions with the CPM leaders. Though CPI pressed for a complete freeze of the implementation of the scheme till the last moment, the chief minister stood firm. The CPI leaders then informed the CPM that they would communicate their final decision after an online secretariat meeting. Later, at the M N Smarakam, the leadership held discussions. The secretariat concluded that putting the scheme on hold till the sub-committee submitted its report effectively amounted to freezing it. Following this consensus, general secretary D Raja informed the media in Delhi that the party has decided to accept the proposal and ministers would participate in the cabinet meeting. With the issue resolved, the LDF convenor has called a front meeting on November 2 to formally review the developments. Discord over PM SHRI Oct 19: General education minister announces that the state will implement PM SHRI. CPI opposes the move Oct 20: Issue comes before LDF, decides to discuss in next front meet Oct 22: CPI ministers meet party secretary. Minister K Rajan expresses concern to CM Oct 23: Govt signs the MoU. Binoy Viswam calls it breach of coalition ethics Oct 24: CPI secretariat lashes out at CPM for keeping the party in dark; Binoy Viswam writes to CPM and LDF Oct 25: Sivankutty visit CPI headquarters to meet Binoy Viswam. CPI general secretary D Raja urges to not implement the scheme Oct 27: CPI state executive at Alappuzha. CM holds talk with Binoy Viswam, but consensus eludes Oct 28: With CPI plans to boycott cabinet meeting Oct 29: Decision at LDF temporarily suspend the project. Cabinet appoints a seven-member sub-committee to review the scheme

Kerala government to hold all-party meet on November 5 over ECs voter list revision decision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Election Commissions decision to go ahead with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls despite objections raised by the state legislature. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday that the all-party meeting will be held at 4 pm on November 5. The chief ministers announcement came on a day when representatives of all recognised political parties, except the BJP, demanded postponement of SIR in view of the local body election during a meeting convened by the Chief Electoral Officer - Kerala Rathan U Kelkar. During the meeting, political parties urged the CEO to once again take up with the EC their demand to postpone SIR. Registering his partys strong protest, M V Jayarajan of the CPM expressed suspicion that the SIR was a tool for the backdoor imposition of the National Register of Citizens. Congress state president Sunny Joseph demanded that SIR be put off until after the local body elections. Representatives of the CPI, Muslim League, Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress(M) and RSP also slammed the decision to go ahead with SIR.

Poll panel to begin special voter list revision in Kerala on November 4

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid demands from political parties to postpone the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls till the local body elections are over, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)-Kerala has brought out a schedule for carrying out the exercise in the run-up to the 2026 assembly election. The schedule was announced by CEO-Kerala, Rathan U Kelkar, at a meeting of the representatives of recognised parties here on Wednesday. As per the schedule, the distribution of enumeration forms to all voters who figure in the 2025 electoral roll and the collection of data will be conducted from November 4 to December 4. Booth-level officers (BLOs) will visit the houses of voters and distribute the enumeration forms that need to be signed and returned by the elector or a close relative of the elector. All voters in the 2025 electoral roll, whose enumeration forms have been signed and returned, will figure in the draft voters list to be brought out on December 9, Kelkar said. The official added that documents for verification need to be submitted only after the draft voters' list is published. This will be examined at the level of the Electoral Registration Officers, and only ineligible voters will be excluded. Voters will also be able to apply for changes in the draft voters list or raise objections against exclusions or additions from December 9, 2025, to January 8, 2026, Kelkar clarified. Notices will be issued on the basis of the objections, and hearings will be conducted from December 9, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The final SIR voters list is scheduled to be published on February 7, well in time before the upcoming assembly elections, Kelkar said. The CEO said that around 68% of the voters in the 2025 electoral roll also figure in the 2002 SIR-based electoral roll. Such voters will not have to submit any verification documents during the upcoming SIR process. For the voters in the 2025 electoral roll who do not figure in the 2002 list, no additional documents would be required if they identify the Electoral Photo I-card (EPIC) number of their parents who figured in the 2002 electoral roll. Only around 10% of the voters in the 2025 list will have to submit verification documents along with the declaration forms. This is unlikely to cause any hardship as most of the voters would be having any of the 13 documents prescribed by the Election Commission of India, Kelkar said. The CEO said the SIR process will not cause any disruption to the upcoming local body election. The role of polling officials participating in the SIR exercise will start only by December 10. Prior to this stage, the work will be carried out by BLOs who have no role in the local body election, the official clarified.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan plays pre-poll welfare trump card

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Seeking to take the wind out of the Oppositions sails ahead of the local body elections, the LDF government on Wednesday announced a slew of welfare measures, including increasing the social security pension to Rs 2,000, a Rs 1,000 hike in ASHA workers honorarium, a new pension scheme for economically backward women, and a stipend for youths. In his post-cabinet briefing, akin to a mini-budget presentation, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Sthree Suraksha scheme would benefit women aged 35 to 60, who are not members of any other social security pension scheme. The scheme is limited to families holding AAY or PHH ration cards. The government estimates an expense of Rs 3,800 crore a year to provide a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 to 31.34 lakh prospective beneficiaries. Announcing the Rs 400-crore hike in welfare pension, Pinarayi said, Social security pensions are aimed at supporting economically and socially backward people. It is difficult for the government to make this payout. Still, the government managed to avoid indefinite arrears in payment. The governments new promises would impose on the state exchequer an additional burden of around Rs 10,000 crore a year. A monthly aid of Rs 1,000 will be given to economically backward youths attending skill development programmes or competitive examination coaching after completing Plus-II, ITI, diploma or degree courses. Beneficiaries should be aged 18 to 30 and their annual family income should be below Rs 1 lakh. About five lakh youths will benefit from the scheme which would cost Rs 600 crore a month.

CPI asserts moralistic posture; CPM strategy yields result

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The final thaw in the moralistic standoff between the CPM and the CPI over PM SHRI has more to it than what meets the eye. While the CPI can claim a moral-political victory, the CPM was able to contain the revolt within the front without damage. A careful reading of the final outcome clearly underscores a CPM strategy that finally yielded result. Contrary to perception, the CPM has succeeded in persuading the CPI to climb down from its initial position to withdraw from the project. Neither Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan nor the CPM leadership were in favour of the same. It was in this backdrop that the freeze-demand came up. That a cabinet panel was entrusted to review shows that the government intends to go ahead with the project and is in no mood to withdraw. Similarly, if the panel submits its report favouring implementation, the government can go ahead without further worries. CPI, which has been pitching for total cancellation, agreed to the final solution, due to limited options. Since the beginning, CM had offered to form a cabinet panel to look into the project. However, the CPI refused to budge initially. However, after it became clear that the state wouldnt be able to withdraw from the project, discussions were mostly centred around alternative options. A cabinet review was more or less in line with CPIs demands. We were certain of a favourable outcome, as both legally and politically, we are in the right, said a top CPI leader. Meanwhile, the CPM strategy of containing the damage without compromise worked well. With two elections coming up, the CPM doesnt want the tussle to gain undue limelight. Its a win-win situation for both parties. The project has only been suspended for the time being, which means it has not been abandoned. The CPI was aiming at a moralistic position. In fact, the remark that the government lost collective responsibility was unbecoming of a coalition party. The CPI shouldnt have tried such a bargain, said a senior CPM leader who felt that the CPI was trying to settle internal scores. In a way, the whole PM SHRI saga has proven beneficial for the CPI, which has been witnessing inner-party issues for some time now. At a time when the party saw new power centres emerging, the tussle with the big brother has temporarily united the party. CPI state chief Binoy Viswam, who was facing revolt from within, was able to assert his position both within the party and the front. At a time when his authority has been questioned and comparisons were made with his predecessors like Veliyam Bhargavan and C K Chandrappan, the current tussle will help Binoys claim to have upheld the Left position. In the past, whenever the CPI has gone for open confrontation with the CPM - be it on Maoist killings, RTI on cabinet documents or custodial torture - except during the Thomas Chandy row, the CPI never enjoyed an upper hand. However, this time around, the CPI was able to ascertain its position, which the party terms as a political victory. What is PM SHRI? Launched in 2022 to improve the education quality in schools Two schools in each block will be converted to PM SHRI schools PM SHRI schools will be developed as exemplar schools The first aim of PM SHRI states that schools will showcase the implementation of NEP The Left parties have taken a stand against NEP, calling it RSS agenda of commercialising and communalising education. Why Kerala signed PM SHRI MoU? Central funds of I1,148 crore to Samagra Shiksha Kerala was not released from 2023-24 Aid and assistance of disabled students, running of tribal hostels, etc were severely affected General education minister had earlier informed that the state will receive I1,476 crore, including arrears, if PM SHRI is signed now PM SHRI is not required for SSK fund release, but the department was unofficially informed so The Solution Formula A seven-member ministerial committee, including those from CPI, will review the scheme State will write to Centre that the MoU stands temporarily suspended till the committee evaluation Time frame for the committee has not been announced

CM Pinarayi Vijayans mini-budget raises questions over fiscal sustainability

KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans surprise announcements on Wednesday, a sweeping welfare package that many are already calling a mini-budget, have set off a fresh debate over the states fiscal resilience. The slew of measures, including a hike in welfare pensions and honorariums, may offer relief to millions, but they also raise a pointed question: Can Kerala afford it? The package is massive in scope. The government has raised the monthly welfare pension to Rs 2,000, benefiting around 62 lakh people. Honorariums for ASHA and Anganwadi workers have gone up by Rs 1,000. In a first-of-its-kind measure, all women, including trans women, from poor households aged between 35 and 60 will receive a Rs 1,000 monthly pension. Another Rs 1,000 monthly grant will go to five lakh youths enrolled in skill development programmes or preparing for competitive exams. Finance Minister K N Balagopal described the decisions as carefully considered and fiscally responsible, asserting that the government has factored in financial implications. We have deliberated deeply on the fiscal front. The government is confident of delivering on these promises, he told mediapersons in Thiruvananthapuram. Yet, economists are split on whether Keralas coffers can handle the added weight. Conservative estimates place the annual outlay for the new measures at around Rs 18,000 crore, roughly a 10% jump in revenue expenditure. Welfare pensions alone could account for Rs 13,000 crore. This looks like a mini-budget without matching revenue sources, said Rudra Sensarma, professor of economics at IIM Kozhikode. While it brings welcome relief to households in an inflation-hit state, much of the package adds new recurring commitments. Unless the next budget focuses sharply on revenue mobilisation, Kerala risks slipping into an unsustainable fiscal hole. Sensarma suggested that the government might need to consider tougher fiscal options such as raising lottery prices, hiking excise duties, revising user charges for transport, and monetising PSU land to restore fiscal balance. But Prof K N Harilal, economist at the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) and head of the State Finance Commission, believes Keralas fiscal position is stronger than it appears. The worst is behind us, he said. The last few Finance Commission reports were severely unfavourable to Kerala, but we have managed to stabilise the situation. If the Centre provides even minimal justice in transfers and grants, the state can easily sustain this welfare and development momentum. Harilal pointed out that Keralas share of central transfers in total revenue receipts is only 25%, compared with the national average of nearly 50%. When we spend Rs 100, we get only Rs 25 from the Centre, he noted. Despite this, we have implemented the pay commission, completed major projects like Vizhinjam Port and the national highways, and brought down our fiscal and revenue deficits. Indeed, the numbers back his claim of slow recovery. According to the latest CAG report, Keralas own tax revenue rose 3.28% in 2023-24 to Rs 74,329 crore, while non-tax revenue grew by 8.12%. The states share of central taxes and duties also saw a 19% rise. However, grants-in-aid from the Centre plummeted by 56%, pulling down total revenue receipts by 6.21%. Harilal argues that Keralas approach balancing welfare with infrastructure investments remains sound, provided that the central government does not adopt a hostile stance and the upcoming 16th Finance Commission treats the state fairly. Our revenue mobilisation capacity is improving. With modest central support, we can meet additional obligations and sustain ongoing development works, he said. Keralas finances, battered in the early years of the LDF government by the pay commission payouts, GST compensation loss, and a halt in revenue deficit grants, have gradually found firmer ground. The government managed to hold back part of the DA arrears to create fiscal space while keeping big-ticket projects on track. Four years on, the situation looks less dire. But with welfare expansion now at full throttle, the states ability to keep the fiscal deficit under control will depend on how effectively it can mobilise fresh revenue and how generously New Delhi chooses to treat it. ASHA workers to get S1,000 hike TPuram: The cabinet has approved an increase of D1,000 in the monthly honorarium of ASHA workers. According to the announcement, a total of 26,125 ASHA workers across the state will benefit from the hike. The move is expected to cost the government an additional D250 crore annually. The cabinet has also decided to clear all pending arrears owed to ASHA workers. Womens Security Scheme A new pension of Rs 1,000 per month for women (including trans women) from poor families not already covered under any welfare pension. A total of 31.34 lakh women aged 35-60 from AAY (yellow card) and PHH (pink card) households are the beneficiaries Connect to Work Scholarship for Youth K1,000 per month for youth (18-30 years) with annual family income below I1 lakh. 5 Lakh students who have completed Plus Two/ITI/Diploma/Degree and are pursuing skill courses or preparing for competitive exams Kudumbashree ADS Operational Grant 19,470 Area Development Societies (ADS) under Kudumbashree to receive K1,000 per month as an operational grant Annual cost: K23.4 crore Revised, increased benefits Social Welfare Pension: From K1,600 to K2,000 per month Annual cost: K13,000 crore DA/DR for government employees & pensioners: An additional 4% hike from November salary/pension 11th Pay Revision arrears: 3rd and 4th instalments to be paid within this fiscal year. Honorarium hike Anganwadi workers/helpers: K1,000 per month (66,240 beneficiaries) Literacy Mission instructors: K1,000 per month Midday meal cooks: K1,100 per month Pre-primary teachers & ayahs: K1,000 per month Guest lecturers: Up to K2,000 per month Rubber subsidy Minimum support price for rubber increased from K180 to K200 per kg from November 1 Additional financial approvals Pending pensions for construction and Anganwadi Welfare Boards to be cleared Scholarships: SC/ST/OBC/post-matric/pre-matric students K303.8 crore total Fishermens children: K25 crore Khadi workers & institutions: K44 crore (income support), K58 crore (rebates) Mixed marriages assistance: K77 crore total (SC/ST/general) Wild animal attack compensation: K16 crore Health support: Cancer, leprosy, TB patients to get timely financial aid KMSCL:K914 crore for uninterrupted medicine supply Supplyco: K110 crore for market intervention dues Road repair projects:K1,000 crore to be released by Dec 31 Social Security Mission arrears: K146.48 crore (for various welfare schemes) Pravasi Welfare Board Pension: K70 crore

Work Near Home centres for techies, freelancers coming up across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is set to roll out Work Near Home (WNH) centres across the state to help IT professionals, startups and freelancers log in to modern facilities closer to their homes. The first such centre is nearing completion Kottarakkara and will launch operations soon. The initiative aims to let techies and professionals in knowledge-based sectors work from modern, well-equipped centres in small towns and rural areas. The Kottarakkara centre, established in a BSNL-owned building near the Ganapathy temple, is being built for around Rs 5 crore. The government leased the two-storey building, which now features state-of-the-art amenities, including conference and meeting rooms, a cafeteria, private and shared office spaces, Wi-Fi connectivity, CCTV surveillance, parking, toilets and drinking water. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and powered by solar energy. The Kottarakkara centre can accommodate around 180 professionals. The response has been very encouraging, said Finance Minister K N Balagopal. The government has earmarked Rs 50 crore to establish similar centres in every district. Private players coming forward with similar initiatives will be lent full support, he said. Senior officials said work on similar projects will soon be launched in Kalamassery (Ernakulam) and Ramanattukara (Kozhikode). The aim is to set up such facilities in small towns and villages so that people can access affordable, high-quality workspaces near their homes and help spread the growth of the IT sector beyond major cities, said an official. Freelancers and startup founders have welcomed the project, calling it a major boost for professionals in non-urban areas. Having access to a shared workspace would help me attend online meetings in a professional setup. If such centres come up across districts, it will be a great help for freelancers, said Simon Antony, a freelancer from Kaduthuruthy. Manu Kumar, who runs a security tech startup in Ernakulam, said, The rent and operational costs in cities are too high. If the government provides such shared spaces in smaller towns, it will fuel an IT boom in many places and make it easier for our staff to find affordable accommodation nearby, he said.

Kerala set to roll out Time Bank for elderly care; pilot from today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to create a support network for senior citizens, the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) is preparing to roll out the Time Bank initiative across the state. The project allows people to volunteer their time to assist the elderly and earn time credits that can later be redeemed when they need help themselves. The initiative offers a range of services, including driving, cooking, laundry, shopping, cleaning, medication reminders and companionship. The pilot will run from today in Elikulam panchayat, Kottayam, where around 7,000 persons have been identified for assistance. The digital platform for the project was developed by students of Wayanad Government Engineering College. Volunteers record their service hours through the website, and the saved time is credited to their account for future use. Based on the success of the pilot, K-DISC plans to collaborate with the social justice department to expand the project statewide. The panchayats will receive links to register elderly users and volunteers. Initially, the system will function through a website, and later it will be converted into a web application. Based on the feedback from users, we will make interface changes to make it more user-friendly. The panchayat has already identified the elderly population in need of support, said M P Gilesh, project guide and professor of computer science at Thrissur Government Engineering College. Senior citizens can register on the Time Bank website by entering their name, email ID, gender, phone number, address, and police verification details. Once verified by the admin, users can access their account and update their profile, including location and service preferences. The select services feature allows them to choose the type of help they need whether its cooking, driving, companionship, or medication reminders and schedule the time and date. The system then displays the nearest available volunteers, and once one is selected, a request is sent. The profile also includes an emergency call feature. With one click, the nearest palliative care centre is alerted, receiving the persons details and initiating a call for urgent assistance. Volunteers undergo a similar registration process, including mandatory police verification. After approval, they can specify the services they are willing to offer and update their location. The rate elder feature allows them to provide feedback on their interactions. Volunteers receive notifications of requests from elders and can accept or decline them. Once accepted, they must enter a start and end OTP which is sent to the elderly persons email. The system then records the time served, which volunteers can track through their dashboard. Each volunteer is also issued an ID card. Institutions can register on the platform as well. They can add volunteers, track active services, and monitor requests through the notifications tab. Administrators can view all registered elders and volunteers, along with completed and pending services. Deepa P Gopinath, a consultant with K-DISC, said Thalassery block, in Kannur, has also expressed interest in adopting the model, with local engineering colleges expected to help with implementation. Through this initiative, K-DISC aims to build a culture of compassion and interdependence where time, not money, becomes the currency of care. We want geriatric care to be treated as a serious academic and social responsibility. This initiative is an effort in that direction. Kerala has already seen how powerful voluntary work can be during natural calamities. Districts such as Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta face serious challenges in geriatric care. After the local-body elections, around January or February, we plan to engage with the newly elected members to take this forward in a structured manner, said P V Unnikrishnan, member secretary, K-DISC. register and avail services Senior citizens can register on the website by entering their name, email ID, gender, phone number, address, and police verification details Once verified by the admin, users can access their account and update their profile, including location and service preferences The profile also includes an emergency call feature. With one click, the nearest palliative care centre is alerted

EC ready to implement SIR; Kerala CM calls all-party meeting to oppose it

Thiruvananthapuram: As the Election Commission of India gears up to implement SIR of voter lists in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said the Cabinet has decided to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the steps to oppose the initiative. Vijayan, at a press conference here, said the decision of the EC to hastily Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

A Carnatic cascade at Soorya Festival

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Raga Sindhu Bhairavi, popular in both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions, is known for its emotional depth. The gentle rise and fall of its nuances evoke a medley of subtle, inexplicable feelings. Music aficionados in Thiruvananthapuram have been revelling in the resonance of such ragas at the Carnatic series held as part of the ongoing Soorya Festival. Titled Sindhu Bhairavi, the series features some of south Indias finest Carnatic vocalists from the clear-toned Sudha Raghunathan to the deep-voiced Abhishek Raghuram, and Nithyasree Mahadevan, whose voice is an inheritance from the legendary D K Pattammal. Keralas own fusion star with a stellar fan following, Harish Sivaramakrishnan, will also take the stage sans guitar and drums in a purely traditional Carnatic avatar accompanied by violin, mridangam and ghatam. Unlike in Chennai or hubs of Carnatic activity, we do not get to listen to such a spectacular array. There is lots to learn from them, says Durga Krishna, a postgraduate student in music. As music students we are encouraged to listen to concerts of seasoned performers, and in Kerala, chances arent as many as in Chennai. And of the cities in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram has more such programmes than other places. Hence, for us, this is the most important time of the year when such veterans come, and we can learn by hearing them. N J Nandhini Padma Bhushan Sudha Raghunathan opened the Sindhu Bhairavi concert week on October 26 in her inimitable style, including in her repertoire technically rich pieces and popular items like Karunai Deivame Karpagame. Abhishek Raghuram, with his immersive style, followed on October 27. And Nithyasree Mahadevan, deftly carrying forward her grandmother Pattammals legacy, performed to a captivated audience on Tuesday. The heavyweights performing in the second half of the week include Thiruvananthapurams own N J Nandhini, who is the granddaughter of Vechur Hariharasubramania Iyer and a disciple of Parassala Ponnammal. Harish will take the stage on October 30. The highly popular frontman of the Carnatic fusion rock band will appear in his purely classical avatar for the first time in Thiruvananthapuram. The concert series will conclude on October 31 with Kunnakudi Balamuralikrishna, who trained under another star of the line-up, Abhishek Raghuram. The emphasis on the diversity of classical genres is evident, with a similar ensemble of veterans having performed just weeks ago as part of a Hindustani series. What I like about the concerts here is that they are for an audience who knows and enjoys good music. The discipline and punctuality are also noteworthy, says city-based music guru Uma Maheshwaran, who is eager to watch Balamuralikrishna and Harish on stage.

Muthalapozhi gets 24-hour life support ambulance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Providing a safety shield for fishermen and ensuring emergency medical aid, a life support ambulance has been set up at Muthalapozhi. The ambulance will offer 24-hour service and will have paramedical staff on duty. MLA V Sasi will officially dedicate it to the public at 5pm on Wednesday at the Muthalappozhi harbour. The ambulance was arranged as part of a ministerial-level decision to make Muthalapozhi safer, using Rs25.2 lakh from the special development fund of Chirayinkeezhu MLA V Sasi. The new ambulance will replace the existing temporary service. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian said that the life of every fisherman who battles the sea and weather every day was important to the government. The new life support ambulance is equipped to provide immediate and modern medical assistance to fishermen in distress. The state is committed to achieving a safer Muthalapozhi by finding permanent solutions to the challenges and safety issues faced by fishermen, said the minister.

Minister Prasad intervenes to take back student at KAU who opted out owing to fee hike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Agriculture Minister P Prasad instructed the Kerala Agricultural University to take back a student, who had availed of a transfer certificate due to a fee hike. V S Arjun, a first-year BSc Agriculture (Hons) student at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, decided to opt out of his studies after his yearly fees increased threefold. However, the student commented that every student who dropped out of the course due to the fee hike deserves the same benefit as him, and he does not wish to be separately sponsored. Commenting that discussions are going on to explore possibilities to support financially backward students, the minister said that further arrangements will be made if the student community feels that they are not enough. We have enough provisions to financialy support students, either through university grants or the vice chancellors scholarship fund. No student should be denied education owing to lack of money, informed the ministers office. However, Arjun remarked that he does not wish to continue in the college here. A Kozhikode-native who avails the e-grants for fee support, Arjun, said that their disbursement is often untimely. I have to pay the fees first, which will be repaid later. But it is unclear when this will be done, he said. Stating that there are many students who struggle to pay the fees, he commented that he does not want an exemption. Not to disrespect anyone, but I dont want anyones sympathy. I took this move for other students of my college, he added. He also pointed out that proper placements are not offered to agricultural courses, another reason for him to discontinue the course. Arjun also urged that a fee system affordable for all students should be set up in the university. Arjun took admission to the college earlier this year. However, the fee hike came as a shock, following which he availed TC from the institution on October 24. Upon knowing the issue, Minister Prasad directed the university to take the student back on Tuesday morning. Earlier, SFI had staged protests against Vice Chancellor, B Ashok, against the fee hike.

SFI leaders sub-standard PhD dissertation kicks up a row at Kerala University

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recommendation to award PhD degree in Sanskrit to an SFI leader who allegedly does not have proficiency in the classical language and whose dissertation was found to be lacking the required standards, has kicked up a controversy in the University of Kerala. In an unprecedented move, the Dean of Oriental Studies and Head of the Department of Sanskrit, C N Vijayakumari, has written to Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnumal pointing out serious flaws in the dissertation and has urged that the recommendation of the chairman of the board of examiners to award PhD degree be turned down. The controversial PhD dissertation was prepared by Vipin Vijayan, an SFI leader in the university campus. The research was on spiritual leader Chattambi Swamikal and was titled Sadgurusarvaswam - A Study. The open defence was held in the university on October 15 following which the recommendation to award the PhD degree was made. Vijayakumari who participated in the open defence as the chairperson of the doctoral committee noted that Vipin could not answer any of the experts questions either in Sanskrit, English or Malayalam. The senior academic also noted that the dissertation had serious flaws in terms of research methodology and findings. Vijayakumari also alleged that both online and offline questions posed at the open defence were blocked or ignored. She also pointed out that people allegedly close to the researcher cast aspersions and threatened her when questions were raised about the quality of the dissertation. They also allegedly disrupted the session when it was suggested that the dissertation be re-submitted after rectifying the flaws. The Syndicate of the university, that is scheduled to meet on November 1, will take up the recommendation for award of PhD to Vipin, said a university source. Meanwhile, whistleblowers collective Save University Campaign Committee has urged the Vice Chancellor to conduct a thorough inquiry into the serious flaws flagged by the chairman of the doctoral committee.

Vizhinjam Port to host Indias first LNG bunkering hub

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to become Indias first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering facility, marking a transformative step in the countrys maritime energy transition. Strategically situated close to the East-West international shipping corridor, the upcoming facility will establish Vizhinjam as a pivotal gateway for low-carbon shipping across the Indian Ocean region. Conceived as a dedicated LNG refuelling hub for international vessels, the project will provide a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels. This initiative aligns Indias maritime infrastructure with the International Maritime Organizations global decarbonisation goals, enabling a significant reduction in carbon and particulate emissions from ocean-going vessels. Kerala has achieved yet another proud milestone through the Vizhinjam International Seaport, said Ports Minister V N Vasavan, emphasising the projects importance for both the state and the nation. The landmark initiative was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. The MoU was exchanged between Ashwini Gupta, CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), and Rahul Tandon, head of BPCLs Gas Business, in the presence of senior officials including Subhankar Sen (marketing director), G R Vetsa (director finance - BPCL), Manoj Menon (head, BPCL Industrial & Commercial Business), Pradeep Jayaraman (CEO, AVPPL), and Aenna Jagga (head, Business Development, APSEZ). For APSEZ, the initiative reaffirms its commitment to developing next-generation, sustainable ports that enhance Indias logistics network while setting new benchmarks in environmentally responsible operations. Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Ashwini Gupta stated that the collaboration underscores the companys dedication to creating green, future-ready maritime facilities. BPCL, on its part, will contribute its extensive technical expertise and operational excellence to deliver world-class LNG bunkering services, ensuring reliability and efficiency in line with global standards. Vizhinjams geographical position offers a strategic edge: located barely 10 nautical miles (around 19km) from the heavily trafficked East-West shipping lane connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and the Far East specifically the Suez-Far East and Far East-Middle East routes it serves as a natural transshipment and refuelling point. Situated at the southernmost tip of India, the port also provides convenient access to other major Indian ports on both the eastern and western seaboards. The port is expected to enter its next phase of development by November, marking yet another major step towards establishing Vizhinjam as a global hub for green maritime operations.

Minister Sivankutty wraps up sports meet with big news

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Closing the 67th State School Sports Meet with remarkable announcements, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said the department will coordinate with the finance department to raise the travel and dearness allowance margins of national-level players. Discussions were held with the department and necessary action will be taken, he said. As continuation of the scheme to build houses for 50 sports talents from lower financial backgrounds, a public funding initiative led by the director of general education to provide necessary equipment to the budding sportspersons will also be moved, he said. Sivankutty also said the government plans to achieve 25% of its ambitious plan to train every student in at least one sport in the first year. The department is also looking for options to facilitate over 350 sports talents working under it, to promote sports among students, he said. Governor Rajendra Arlekar handed over the Chief Ministers Cup to overall champions Thiruvananthapuram, which secured 1,825 points in the meet. Hailing the smooth conduct of the event, Arlekar said it has opened a door towards the Olympic dreams of players. I congratulate the chief minister for this concept of golden cup, which is an inspiration for us to work towards our sports goals, Arlekar said. He also appreciated Sivankutty. The programme was attended by Ministers Veena George (Health), P A Mohamed Riyas (Tourism), G R Anil (Civil Supplies), MLAs Antony Raju (Thiruvananthapuram) and Kadakampally Surendran (Kazhakoottam), Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, Olympian P R Sreejesh, general education director N S K Umesh, secretary K Vasuki, among others.

Sabarimala gold theft case: Police get four days custody of Murari Babu

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Ranni, on Tuesday granted police four days custody of Murari Babu, a Travancore Devaswom Board employee accused in the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case , for detailed interrogation. According to officials, the special investigation team (SIT), probing the case, will question Babu alongside former priest-turned-businessman Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the case. The SIT requested his custody to investigate the alleged conspiracy and to determine if any financial transactions occurred between him and Potti. Earlier, the probing team had informed the court that Murari Babu had a key role in the larger conspiracy. Following the courts order, the SIT team escorted Babu to the Crime Branch office in Thiruvananthapuram. Officials indicated that both accused may be brought together for evidence collection in the coming days. The custody period of Unnikrishnan Potti will continue until October 30. Meanwhile, the SIT has sought additional documents related to the gold-plating work at Sabarimala undertaken by businessman Vijay Mallya in 1999. The team stated that the renovation records from Sabarimala are crucial to the ongoing investigation and warned that no further time would be granted to officials to produce the required documents.

67th Kerala School Sports Meet: Hosts TPuram crowned champions as sun sets on eight thrilling days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eight thrilling days of action came to a close with hosts Thiruvananthapuram being crowned champions of the 67th Kerala School Sports Meet on Tuesday. The meet saw record-breaking performances, tight competitions across categories and emotional highs that carried the spirit of sportsmanship. A total of 17 new records in athletics and 17 in aquatics made this edition the one with the most record-breaking events. Spread across 12 venues, the event hosted nearly 9,000 competitions in close to 40 events. The meet went ahead as scheduled despite rain delays and venue changes, with some events like tug of war shifting thrice before finding ground. Hosts Thiruvananthapuram led from the first day, kept its dominance till the end and won the race for the Golden Cup. The meet also introduced new events, including kalaripayattu, yoga and fencing, with good participation witnessed from across the state. For the second time, inclusive events were held, but special educators pointed out that many venues still lacked ramps and basic facilities for the participants. Two new events, Cricket and Bocce were introduced for children with disabilities. Another highlight was the participation of female students from Gulf countries. The 15th district earned one silver medal and three points overall. The opening day saw in the pool as four new records were set. Aquatic events were the first to complete crowning the capital district. Thiruvananthapuram also won the games section. Track and field events were no less thrilling. Malappuram secured the athletics lead. J Nivedkrishna of Palakkad and Adithya Aji of Malappuram finished as the fastest runners in senior 100m categories. Deva Priya Shaibu of Idukki broke a 1987 record in sub-junior girls 100m by clocking 12.69 seconds. Athul T M of Alappuzha smashed a 1988 record in junior boys 100m, finishing in 10.81 seconds. One of the most emotional moments came from Kozhikodes Devananda V Biju of St Joseph HSS, who won the junior girls 200m while recovering from appendicitis. She broke the eight-year-old record with a timing of 24.96 seconds. General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced that a new house would be built for her family. The government will facilitate building of new houses for 50 participants, he said. More records fell in hurdles and discus throw events. A grand victory procession was held in the city to welcome the Chief Ministers Cup, a 117.5-sovereign gold trophy for the overall champs, for the first time in the events history. Despite a few age-related controversies, where questions were raised about a participants eligibility in certain categories and a probe is on, the meet stood out for the promise of a brighter sporting future. Roll of honour Overall Champions: TPuram (1,825 points) 1st runner-up: Thrissur (892 points) 2nd runner-up: Kannur (859 points) Best school (Athletics) 1. Ideal EHSS, Kadakassery (Malappuram): 78 points 2. VMHS, Vadavannur (Palakkad): 58 points 3. Navamukunda HSS, Thirunavaya (Malappuram): 57 points Best sports school (Athletics) 1. GV Raja Sports School, TPuram: 57 points 2. CSH Wayanad & SAI Kollam: 8 points 3. MA College Sports Hostel, Keerampara & SAI Thalassery: 5 points Toppers Athletics: Malappuram (247 points) Games: TPuram (1,107 points) Aquatics: TPuram (649 points)

Congress high command issues stern warning to Kerala unit

NEW DELHI/TPURAM: Worried over the deepening factional feud within the Congress in Kerala, the partys central leadership has bluntly told the state leaders to mend their ways and project a united front before the people ahead of the crucial local body and assembly elections. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held closed-door one-on-one meetings with state leaders, sources said. Incidentally, AICC general secretary (organization) K C Venugopal and general secretary in-charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi did not attend the meetings, they said. A leader told TNIE that he has conveyed to the leadership that the open fights between top leaders are impacting the prospects of the party in the upcoming elections. Another leader said he discussed the disquiet in the party over the recent Youth Congress rejig. State party chief Sunny Joseph, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Kannur MP K Sudhakaran were among the leaders who were present. Sudhakaran told reporters after the meeting that a section of leaders is responsible for spoiling the atmosphere of unity in the party. When asked about Sudhakarans remarks, Kharge responded that everything cant be discussed with the media. Satheesan reportedly informed the leadership of his resentment in the delay in publishing the new list of KPCC secretaries. UDF convenor Adoor Prakash expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of consultation when the KPCC general secretary list was prepared. According to sources, the leadership is increasingly concerned over the divide within the state unit and conveyed that it could have serious consequences for the partys poll prospects. However, Kharge told reporters that there was no factionalism in Kerala and the party will return to power in the state. We are holding discussions with all leaders. Later, we will meet younger leaders. After collecting the feedback, we will process it and see what is to be done, he said. Dasmunshi said there are many points to be noted and discussed for the upcoming elections. I am happy that the high command has taken every small issue into consideration. It shows that they are so serious about Kerala, she said. There is no factionalism in the Congress in Kerala. Its all created by the media, the LDF and the BJP. All are unitedly standing for the Congress, she added.

PM SHRI standoff intensifies, but CPI unlikely to escalate matters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI leadership, which has taken an uncharacteristically belligerent posture over the Left government signing the PM SHRI agreement with the Centre, has been fighting a desperate battle to regain its pride within the front. Even as an agitated CPI leadership decided to explore all possible options the leadership is not in favour of the party taking any extreme positions like parting ways with the Left front. Moreover the party doesnt want to escalate the issue further due to limited options. On the other hand, with back-to-back elections coming up, the CPM doesnt want the matter to continue in this vein. The CPM is looking at the possibility of slow pedaling implementation of the project or freezing the MoU for the time being. The party feels that it would pacify the CPI for the time being, hoping for a consensus within the LDF later. The education minister has referred the matter to the party. Since it came up before the cabinet twice, signing it without keeping them in the loop could have been avoided. The government can now write to the Centre saying that since its a policy matter, some more time is needed for implementation, said a senior CPM leader. With Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan making it clear that the state cannot withdraw from the project, the CPI wants the government to look at possible legal and political options. CPI to boycott cabinet meeting over PM SHRI scheme The government can take a political position and write to the Centre clarifying that the state would not be able to meet all conditions in the PM SHRI scheme for the time being. The LDF can discuss and entrust someone to move the Supreme Court, said a senior CPI leader, on condition of anonymity. At a time when the CPI has been facing internal issues, the recent controversy has united the party to take up the fight against the CPM. The CPI ministers plan to skip the cabinet meet to convey our protest. PM SHRI is an out-and-out RSS project. Whats the relevance of the LDF if we fail to resist this RSS move? asked another senior leader. Its for the chief minister and the CPM to respond to the partys demand, CPI general secretary D Raja told TNIE. We have been opposing NEP 2020. We cannot compromise with the BJP-RSS. The government took the decision without any consultations. Weve made our position clear. Now the ball is in the court of the CPM, Raja said. There are indications that the Congress has sent feelers to the CPI leadership that the UDF would accommodate the latter, if it parts ways with the CPM. The CPI, however, hasnt responded positively. How can we join hands with the Congress that has implemented PM SHRI in states ruled by them? asked a senior CPI leader.

CPI to boycott cabinet meeting over PM SHRI scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to keep its lead coalition partner on tenterhooks, the CPI has decided to boycott Wednesdays cabinet meeting if the CPM failed to respond positively to the partys demands on the PM SHRI scheme. The CPI state secretariat, which met online on Tuesday, decided to wait for a positive response from the CPM till the cabinet meeting. If the CPM decides to stick to their position of continuing with the PM SHRI scheme, the four CPI ministers will stay away from the cabinet meeting. It is up to the CPM to make a move now. We have conveyed our position. The issue was not created by the CPI, a party leader said. As part of his efforts to ease the tension, CPM general secretary M A Baby rang up CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam. Binoy told Baby that the state cabinet must ask the Union government to freeze the programme as the state did not intend to continue with it. However, the education department is of the view that the suggestion is not practical. PM SHRI project: CPI stands firm despite CPMs conciliatory efforts In his talks with Binoy, Baby reportedly reiterated Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans offer that the government would form a cabinet sub-committee to study and suggest ways to resolve the issue. The programme would not be implemented in haste. At any stage, if the government feels that the Union government is trying to impose saffronisation through any means, it would not implement it, or even abandon the entire programme. However, Binoy asserted that the programme should be scrapped at once. The CPM has also decided to take a wait and watch approach. The cabinet meeting, which was slated for the morning, has been rescheduled to the afternoon. We have told them what is practical. The ball is now in CPIs court, a CPM leader said. According to CPI insiders, the leadership is also weighing the risks any hasty action could trigger. Rift between allies casts shadow elsewhere too You can boycott the cabinet once or twice. Then will we be able to withdraw our ministers which will undermine the LDF unity ahead of a crucial election? Is the current CPI leadership strong enough to take such a huge risk? a senior CPI leader wondered. Meanwhile, the rift between the two key LDF allies appears to be casting its shadow on other areas too. The violent protest by CPMs student arm, SFI, against the hike in fees in Kerala Agricultural University is said to be an offshoot of the dispute. The CPM leaders allege CPIs double standards in questioning the PM SHRI programme while its ministers implemented Union government projects. At the time of the formation of the Constitution, education was enlisted as a state subject. However, it was changed to the concurrent list during Emergency. We all know where was CPI during that period. Now they are presenting themselves as saviours, while they use the PMs photo in several projects, a CPM leader said.

Ranji Trophy: Karun Nair, Kaverappa star as Karnataka settle for three points against Goa

Karnataka secured three points in their Ranji Trophy league match against Goa, but an outright win eluded them. Goa's batsmen showed resilience in their second innings, forcing a draw. Vidwath Kaverappa's five-wicket haul was a highlight for Karnataka, though pacers are still bowling at reduced intensity. The team now heads to Thiruvananthapuram to face Kerala.

Flight operations at Thiruvananthapuram airport to be halted for five hours on October 30

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will halt flight services for five hours on October 30, from 4:45 pm to 9:00 pm. This temporary suspension is to accommodate the 'Alpassi Arattu' procession of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which traditionally crosses the airport runway. The airport has observed this centuries-old ritual for decades, with operations suspended twice annually for the temple's biannual festivals.

Field studies in Kozhikode to identify reasons for surge in amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala

Health dept. and scientists at ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology will continue field studies in Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam too, which account for a significant number of the amoebic infections reported in 2024, 2025

Air India Express begins Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru service

SIR impractical, undermines public trust: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Election Commission of India's decision to carry out Special Intensive Revision of electoral roll in Kerala poses a serious challenge to the democratic process, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday. In a statement, the CM warned that the move could undermine public trust in the electoral system. The Chief Minister noted that the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)-Kerala had already informed the ECI that SIR would be impractical as Kerala is preparing for local body elections. Reminding that the Kerala Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution against SIR, the Chief Minister called for more unified resistance against it. Pinarayi pointed out that the ECI was planning to carry out the revision of voter lists from 2002 to 2004 instead of the existing rolls. This, he said amounts to violation of the Representation of the People Act of 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules of 1960. These laws clearly state that any update must be carried out using the current voter list as its basis, he said. SIR 2.0 will test ECI's resolve, clarity in opposition domains Pinarayi's statement came a day after the ECI announced that the SIR would be carried out between November 2025 and February 2026 in 12 states and union territories, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal, all of which are due to hold Assembly elections in 2026. Meanwhile, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer has begun the SIR process. A meeting of District Collectors has been convened on Tuesday followed by a meeting of political party representatives on Wednesday. Nationwide SIR announced at a time when EC's credibility under suspicion, says Congress

Boo! Thiruvananthapuram is getting spooky

Fake blood tubes, skull masks, and neon face paints have begun to fill the shelves of city stores. Witch hats hang beside LED pumpkins, and plastic fangs are stacked in baskets next to strings of cobwebs. Makeup kits with fake scars and pale powders sit neatly arranged on counters, waiting for the weeks rush. As hotels, colleges, malls, and cafs line up themed nights and costume parties, the Halloween mood is unmistakably in the air, which is enough to suggest that Keralas October calendar now has one more reason to dress up. At costume and party supply stores across Thiruvananthapuram, the Halloween merchandise are priced between `1,000 and `1,500. Along with the usual masks and capes, this years collection includes costumes that come with sound effects, a growing range of childrens outfits, robes and decorative props. For adults, vampire coats remain a favourite, while children gravitate towards witch and nun costumes, or gothic outfits inspired by the Wednesday series. Some storekeepers say they are already running out of stock. Hotel Karthika Park Masks, available in prices ranging from Rs 45 to Rs 1,000, continue to be steady sellers. Beyond costumes, eerie decor items such as plastic skulls, hanging zombies, fake fangs and cobwebs are just as popular among buyers setting up Halloween parties at home. Just like Onam, Christmas, or Diwali, Halloween has become one more occasion people look forward to, says an employee at a local store. Parents come to buy for their children, and youngsters for their college parties. Even families have started decorating their homes in the Halloween theme. Most storekeepers say that they source their Halloween stock from China about a month in advance. Along with regular retail buyers, the stores also receive large orders from event organisers who host Halloween nights. At Chamayam Costume Rentals, the staff are busy customising orders for the Halloween rush. With items for toddlers to adults, the collection includes dragon skeletons, Dracula models, Money Heist masks, and witch-wear. Costume rentals start at Rs 200 per day, while props and accessories like caps, lanterns, and brooms are available from Rs 100. Many customers also visit solely to rent accessories, says a staffer at Chamayam. Halloween programmes have increased every year earlier, it was mostly youngsters renting costumes for college parties, but now schools are also hosting events, bringing in a growing number of children. After all, any reason is a good reason to celebrate for Malayalis. Software developer Pranav K P, who recently moved from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram, is happy to note the exuberance in the city. In Kochi, usually there are plenty of Halloween events. I had assumed it would be a muted affair in Thiruvananthapuram. But now I think the trend has picked up here, he says. Event organisers, too, are gung-ho about it. Halloween events are becoming an annual fixture as people enjoy any celebration that is vibrant, offbeat and fun. The occasion need not be traditional anymore, notes Karthika P Kumar, manager at Axis Events. BLND Restobar BLND Restobar We have been doing themed programmes over the past two to three years, and the response has been great. This year, we are hosting a Mystery Room event at O by Tamara, with a live band and face-painting sessions. Inquiries have been pouring in from the young crowd. At Hanami Pan Asian Restaurant, the staff team is sprucing up the entire space to fit the Halloween mood. Our events will run from October 30 to November 2. We will be serving themed food and drinks, both cocktails and mocktails, along with DJ sessions, says F&B manager Ram Kumar. We want it to be a space for people to enjoy the spooky vibe. People here have started celebrating every small event, and Halloween is now part of that. Youngsters nowadays have a wider exposure to global trends they know what they are celebrating and how they want to do it. On similar lines, Karthika Park hosted a Halloween pool party, Lokah 2.0, on Saturday. It drew a large crowd of techies. The turnout in costumes was more than we expected, says R Unnikrishnan, general manager of the hotel. The event was lively, with a DJ, fireworks, and even our staff dressed in Halloween-themed outfits. Hanami Pan Asian Restaurant Chamayam Over the weekend, BLND Restobar also hosted a Kids Halloween featuring a costume contest, games, face painting, and a buffet. Children aged four to fourteen arrived dressed in a variety of styles from Lokahs Neeli to popular cartoon characters. About 120 children took part, says Byju S, F&B Manager at the restobar. It was the first event of its kind here in Thiruvananthapuram, and the turnout was amazing. Parents were not allowed inside, as we wanted to create an exclusive fun zone for children to socialise and enjoy. It was quite a thrilling experience for them. The PlayFest Initiative hopes to create a similar thrilling week by hosting CARN-EVIL 2025 a four-day Halloween event at Eves Coffee, Anayara. We are running events from Tuesday. The main celebration will be on Halloween Day (October 31, says Anurag R, one of the founders of PlayFest, a community trust uniting play and cultural communities. There will be Zombie Nerf Battle, scarecrow-making, film nights, pumpkin carving, and a costume party for all ages. Except for pumpkin carving, which costs Rs 100 per entry, everything else is free to access for the public. Chamayam

SIR plan a threat to democracy, says Kerala CM Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday strongly criticised the Election Commission of Indias decision to carry out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Kerala and other states, calling it a serious challenge to the democratic process. In a statement, he said the move raised doubts about the poll panels Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Powerlifter Nikhileshs son Neeraj lifts family legacy to new heights

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A father training his child in a sport in which he has a glorious past. The child, through his efforts, achieves a top honour in the game though it seems like a film plot, this is an excerpt from the life of the Nedumangad native Nikhilesh, whose son Neeraj emerged as the gold medal winner of the 83kg senior boys powerlifting competition at the Central Stadium here on Monday. A Class 11 student of Anad SNVHSS, Neeraj lifted a total weight of 542.5 kg in three sets of the competition, comprising squat, bench press, and deadlift. Though I decided to get trained in powerlifting over three years, I had only been taking it up seriously for the last two years, said the 17-year-old, who was the bronze medal winner in the same event the year before. Taking inspiration from his father, Neeraj said that he considered his father to be his role model. Yet another sports talent, who had to end his career due to financial issues, Nikhilesh was 19 years old when he won the All India Inter University Powerlifting championship at Ratnagiri in the early 2000s. He later went on to win medals in multiple national meets, when life became the toughest weight he had to lift. The player who could have been the pride of the land now does loading, tapping, and other daily wage work for a living. Still, when his children saw his spark in the sport during a local powerlifting programme, Nikhileshs children started developing a taste for it. When I first saw my father doing weightlifting, I was worried about his health. But when I got into the sport, I realised the high it gave, said Neeraj, indicating his fathers multiple disc-bulge issues. Adding to this, Nikhilesh commented that his son was not really interested in sports at the beginning, and is amazed at how good Neeraj became under his training. Not just him, I was also the trainer for my elder daughter, Nikhitha, who is also a powerlifting star, and has represented India in the World Powerlifting Championship in 2022, he said.

Connemara Market redevelopment work to commence on November 5

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the election around the corner, the City Corporation and Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) are taking steps to launch the long-delayed redevelopment of the Palayam Connemara Market. According to official sources, a Hyderabad-based construction firm has been roped in for the execution of the project and the inauguration of work is likely to be held on November 5. We are all set to launch the project ahead of the election declaration. If everything goes as planned, LSGD Minister M B Rajesh will officially inaugurate the redevelopment project on November 5, said an official source. The redevelopment plan faced a major setback after the earlier contractor, RDS Projects Ltd backed out of the project citing cost escalation and other delays. The project, which was originally awarded in 2021, had been stalled for nearly three years due to repeated administrative and procedural hurdles. Though about 95% of demolition had been completed and all traders vacated the premises, the contractor pulled out over financial and logistical challenges, forcing SCTL and the corporation to go for a fresh tender. An official said that the agreement with the Hyderabad-based company will be signed soon after the government approval. We have already launched the preparatory works at the site. Around five companies took part in the bidding process and the Hyderabad-based company was the only player from outside the state and they quoted the least amount. We are not expecting any more delays and everything will be finalised by this weekend, said an official source. The Palayam Connemara Market, one of the iconic and bustling commercial landmarks, is slated for a complete transformation under the Smart City Mission. The project envisions a modern, multi-level commercial complex blending traditional trading spaces with contemporary design, improved hygiene standards, and upgraded public amenities. As part of the project, a hi-tech fish and meat market will be constructed on the ground floor and the traders will be given designated stalls in the market. The first and second floors of the market will be used for commercial purposes.

Kerala govt medical college doctors to boycott OP, classroom today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) has announced that its ongoing protest will continue, with doctors in government medical colleges deciding to boycott outpatient (OP) services on October 28. The organisation stated that despite months of demonstrations and repeated representations, the government has not initiated any meaningful steps to address their concerns. According to KGMCTA, doctors in medical colleges are currently staging a relay OP boycott. The association pointed out that even after the last OP boycott held on October 20, the government has not come forward for discussions or taken any steps to resolve the issues. The statement said that medical college doctors would not attend OP duties on October 28, November 5, November 13, November 21, and November 29 as part of the ongoing agitation. It added that theory classes for medical students would also be suspended on these days. KGMCTA clarified that essential and emergency services would not be affected by the protest. Casualty, labour rooms and intensive care units will continue to function without any disruption, the association stated. The association said it was forced to take this step after years of peaceful protests and written submissions failed to yield any response from the government. We appeal to the public to avoid visiting OP departments on the days of the strike, the statement said.

State taking undue credit of Union govt schemes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday accused the state government of trying to take credit of the Central governments poverty eradication initiatives. He alleged that the states claim of eradicating extreme poverty, the CPI-CPM rift over the PM SHRI scheme, and allegations against him were attempts to divert public attention from the Sabarimala gold scam, the Messi controversy, and other irregularities. The state government is trying to take credit for every scheme of the Prime Minister, and the Eradication of Extreme Poverty project is yet another example of this, Chandrasekhar said here. Citing World Bank data, he noted that 17 crore Indians have come out of poverty in the last 10 years including 6 crore in Uttar Pradesh, 3.7 crore in Bihar, 2.5 crore in Madhya Pradesh, 1.87 crore in Rajasthan, and 1.59 crore in Maharashtra. In Kerala, 2.72 lakh people have escaped extreme poverty in the past decade, he added. He said the progress was achieved through central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY), the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Ayushman Bharat Insurance, etc.

Key building rule changes in offing

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Soon, the government will issue instant approvals for building permit applications. With the announcement of local body elections expected any time soon, the state government is all set to bring in major reforms to the building permit system by making approvals faster, simpler and more transparent. The plan is to give instant approvals for a majority of applications through the K-SMART platform. Under the new provisions, most residential and small commercial buildings will be eligible for instant digital permits through K-SMART, while government buildings will now require permits for construction for the first time. As per the amendment, pre-construction inspection has been waived for digitally verified applications. Until now, physical inspections were must for most building types except low-risk residential structures up to 300 sq m. Applicants who submit complete and accurate details online through K-SMART can receive permits without a site visit. For digitally verified applications, the pre-construction site inspection will be waived. Ensuring accuracy will be the full responsibility of the licensed professional and the building owner. Authorities will conduct a single inspection at the plinth level, after the foundation is completed. Any deviation from the approved plan detected at that stage will lead to suspension of the permit and action against the owner and the licensed engineer, said an official. The self-certified permit system that will be introduced with the new amendment allowing immediate approval for low-risk buildings, has been significantly expanded with the removal of height restriction. Earlier, only residential buildings up to 300 sq m, with a height limit of 7m and two floors, were eligible. Nearly 80 per cent of residential buildings in Kerala those up to 300 sq m and not exceeding two floors can now receive permits instantly upon submission of applications, without official intervention or inspection, said an official. The reforms will also benefit small-scale commercial and industrial sectors. The area limit for self-certified commercial buildings has been increased from 100 sq m to 250 sq m, while industrial buildings up to 200 sq m and falling under the white or green categories of the Pollution Control Board will now qualify for instant approval. Govt buildings brought under permit regime For the first time, government buildings - including schools and offices - will be required to obtain construction permits. The decision comes in the wake of repeated instances of public structures being built without adherence to safety standards or proper planning approval. All government buildings must now secure a building permit along with the approved plan. However, they will be exempted from paying permit fees, said an official. The LSGD framed the new provisions after nearly a year of consultations, incorporating feedback from LSGI adalats and Nava Kerala Sadas, said an official. The draft amendments to the Kerala Municipality Building Rules are currently being vetted by the law department.

Sabarimala gold row: moved gold to Ballari, claims jewellery shop staffer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the special investigation team is planning its next course of action in the Sabarimala gold missing case, a Rajasthani native working in a Chennai-based jewellery shop has come up with a claim that he had transported gold from the firm, which was involved in repair works of the gold-plated sheets from Sabarimala, to a jewellery in Ballari. The person identified as Kalpesh Jain, who worked in a jewellery shop in Sowcarpet in Chennai, told the media that he had transported a packet from Smart Creations, which operated from Ambattur Industrial Estate. The packet, which reportedly contained gold that was extracted from the sheets brought from Sabarimala, was moved to the jewellery in Ballari that was owned by Govardhan, a friend of the main accused Unnikrishnan Potti. Kalpesh, who claimed to be working in Chennai for Kalikund Jewellers for the past 13 years, said the Ballari jewellery had business dealings with his firm. It was at the insistence of Govardhan, owner of Ballari-based Roddam Jewels, that he took the consignment from Smart Creations. However, the videos credibility and claims made by Kalpesh are yet to be verified. There were reports that Unnikrishnan had told the SIT about Kalpeshs role as middleman in the transaction. However, Kalpesh claimed he did not make any monetary benefits from transporting the packet. Meanwhile, the SIT is gearing up to question more Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officers accused in the case. The accused, including former Sabarimala executive officer D Sudheesh Kumar and former TDB secretary Jayasree, will be summoned for questioning as the police custody of Potti expires by October 30, sources said.

Pinarayi fails to placate CPI on PM SHRI issue

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Oct/27/amid-in-fights-in-ldf-over-signing-of-pm-shri-mou-kerala-cm-meets-cpi-secretary-binoy-viswamTHIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans attempt to pacify key LDF ally CPI, disgruntled over the state government signing the PM SHRI MoU with the Union government, failed on Monday with the latter remaining firm on its demand that the state should withdraw from the agreement. Besides CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, the partys four ministers attended the hour-long meeting at Alappuzha guest house. CPM state secretary M V Govindan was also present. During the meeting, the CM made it clear that the state wont be able to back out of the project. Only the Union government has the authority to cancel the MoU, he said. However, both CPM and CPI intensified their efforts to reach a consensus and prevent the situation from getting out of control. The CPM sought the intervention of its national leadership. Party general secretary M A Baby held discussion with his CPI counterpart D Raja in Delhi. The CPM has also decided to convene a meeting of the LDF state committee shortly to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, the CPI has called a meeting of its state council on November 4. Pinarayi assured the CPI leaders during the meeting that the National Educational Policy (NEP) would not be implemented in the state. However, Binoy contended that since the state has only signed an MoU, it can withdraw from the scheme. He alleged that the whole scheme is designed to showcase the NEP. Rift in LDF intensifies as Kerala CM's talks with CPI over PM SHRI MoU fail to ease tensions A march led by KSU over the PM SHRI issue towards General Education Minister V Sivankuttys office at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, was met with police water cannons PM SHRI: Final decision will be taken soon, says Binoy Binoy is learnt to have told the CM that since the CPI and the CPM along with other Left parties jointly decided to resist implementation of NEP, CPI cannot support PM-SHRI programme. Speaking to media after the meeting, Binoy said, The issues raised by the CPI have not yet been resolved. The party will discuss the matter with state and central leaders and a final decision will be announced in the coming days. Earlier in the day, the CPI state executive authorised the state secretariat to take a decision on the issue in line with the partys stand. Though the CPI state secretariat held after the meeting with the CM, did not consider boycotting the next cabinet meeting on Wednesday, CPI insiders said all options are open if both parties fail to reach an amicable solution. Meanwhile, the CPI state executive urged the leadership not to compromise on its declared stand against NEP. The meeting concluded that the current issue is not merely administrative. This is a political issue. It is against the Lefts principles. No compromise is possible on this, a leader said. Nevertheless, all leaders agreed that the CPI should not consider leaving the LDF. At the same time, the party must not yield to the conciliatory tactics of the CPM and should uphold its position at any cost. If the CPI decides to stay away from the cabinet, there are chances that the cabinet meeting may be extended by one or two days. However, it remains to be seen whether the CPM and the CM will take such a step to give the CPI some breathing space, an LDF leader said. Earlier in the day, the CPM secretariat decided to pursue discussion with CPI. The party believes that the PM SHRI programme and the associated funds are the states rightful due, a leader said. However, we would try to reach a consensus, he added. CM misled cabinet on PM SHRI project, says V D Satheesan Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Sunday accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of misleading the cabinet over the Centres PM SHRI school project.The education minister deceived even the chief minister by secretly signing the PM SHRI project. No one would betray their own government in this manner even outside the country, said Satheesan. He was speaking after inaugurating the Kuttavicharana March at Anchalumootil, organised by the UDF against the alleged mismanagement of the Kollam Corporation. The march was led by MP N K Premachandran, rally captain Bindu Krishna, A K Hafeez, and Naushad Yunus. Satheesan detailed the issues listed in the chargesheet prepared against the corporation. In his address, Premachandran said the Kollam corporation had turned into a den of corruption and that the next civic polls would serve as a verdict against it. UDF district chairman K C Rajan presided over. RSP Central secretariat member A A Aziz, Congress political affairs committee member Bindu Krishna, DCC president P Rajendra Prasad and Muslim League district president Naushad Yunus took part, among other leaders.

Wells refill as the groundwater level rises by 1.6m in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The groundwater level in Kerala has risen by an average of 1.6m this year, according to a preliminary assessment made by the state groundwater department last month. The finding is based on monthly data collected from 819 observation wells across the state, including 446 open wells and 373 borewells, over the past 10 days. Officials attributed the increase to consistent rainfall and groundwater recharge initiatives implemented by the state government since 2020. The government has initiated several efforts to ensure groundwater recharge through various initiatives. This, along with good rainfall, has contributed to the rise, a senior official with the groundwater department told TNIE. The Annual Extractable Groundwater Quantity (AEGQ) has also shown steady improvement from 5 billion cubic metres in 2023 to 5.13 billion cubic metres in 2024. Officials expect the figure to continue increasing this year as well considering the rain and the indications in the preliminary report. Preliminary data indicate that groundwater levels have risen across most districts, with Kasaragod recording the highest average rise of 3m, followed by Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode, where levels increased by 2m each. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur reported an average rise of around 1 metre. However, the department noted that a few regions have reported a slight drop in groundwater levels. A noticeable decline was observed in open wells in Kazhakoottam (Thiruvananthapuram), Tirurangadi (Malappuram), and Kanhangad (Kasaragod), while borewells in Kollam corporation (Kollam), Konni and Ranni (Pathanamthitta), Areekode (Malappuram), and Parakkadavu (Ernakulam) also showed lower levels. Though the exact extent of decline is not available, sources said the drop is estimated to be between 0.5 and 1m. The expert team of the groundwater department is carrying out a detailed assessment in these areas to identify the reasons behind the variation. There can be multiple reasons for the drop over-extraction by industries, lack of conservation efforts, or population growth in certain regions. The preliminary findings help us identify areas that require more attention. The detailed report, expected by the end of this year, will recommend measures for sustainable management of groundwater resources, a senior scientist said. Officials stressed that the conservation and recharge efforts must continue to sustain the positive trend. Deeper relief Average rise: 1.6 metres in groundwater level across the state Highest increase: Kasaragod (3 m), followed by Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode (2 m each). Areas with decline: Slight drop (0.5-1m) in parts of Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Kasaragod districts. Next step: Detailed study under way; final report expected by the end of the year to guide groundwater management policies (Data source: 819 observation wells -- 446 open wells and 373 borewells -- under groundwater department, Kerala)

Half-day holiday for State schools on Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday

O.J. Janeesh, Binu Chulliyil take charge as Youth Congress State president, working president

Swearing-in ceremony held at Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday

Winter schedule comes into effect at Thiruvananthapuram airport

Rift in LDF intensifies as Kerala CM's talks with CPI over PM SHRI MoU fail to ease tensions

ALAPPUZHA: A meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam and CPI cabinet ministers failed to reach a consensus on the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Centres PM SHRI project. After the meeting, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said the concerns raised by the party remained unresolved. The issues raised by the CPI have not yet been addressed. The party will discuss the matter with state and central leaders, and a final decision will be announced in the coming days, Viswam told reporters after the meeting with the chief minister at the Alappuzha Guest House on Monday. Sources said the CPI has decided that its four ministers will abstain from the next cabinet meeting in protest against the governments move to sign the MoU for the PM SHRI project, a Central government initiative. The CPI state council meeting, scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram on November 4, will decide the partys future course of action. The CPIs decision has triggered a fresh crisis within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), which is preparing for the upcoming local body elections. The party convened an urgent meeting of its state executive in Alappuzha on Monday to discuss the issue after the chief minister and education minister decided to proceed with the signing of controversial education-related projects, including the NEP and PM SHRI, without consulting cabinet colleagues. The CPI has described the MoU as a betrayal of the people, arguing that it aligns the states education policy with that of the BJP-led Central government and Sangh Parivar organisations. After learning about the CPIs move, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan contacted Binoy Viswam and requested a meeting at the Alappuzha Guest House on Monday evening. The developments have led to a stalemate in relations between the CPI and CPI(M). A similar rift had occurred earlier during the Thomas Chandy controversy, when the CPI took a firm stand that eventually led to Chandys removal from the cabinet over a land encroachment case eight years ago. Mondays meeting between the chief minister and Viswam began at 3:30 pm and lasted for more than an hour. Following that, the chief minister held discussions with cabinet ministers K. Rajan, P. Prasad, and G. R. Anil, but they remained firm on the partys position, resulting in a deadlock.

World Bank approves USD 400 million loan for Kerala health system upgrade

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The World Bank has approved a USD 400 million (around Rs 3,400 crore) loan to support the Kerala Health System Improvement Programme under the state Health Department. About 70 per cent of the funding, or USD 280 million (Rs 2,400 crore), will come from the World Bank, with the rest provided by the state government. The project, backed by financial assistance of 400 million US dollars (around Rs 3,400 crore), aims to strengthen Kerala's public health systems and improve their efficiency, an official release said here on Monday. Of this, 70 per cent (280 million dollars or around Rs 2,400 crore) will be funded by the World Bank, while the rest will be provided by the state government. According to the statement, Kerala prepared a detailed project report and submitted it to the Centre after receiving preliminary approval in 2023. The World Bank's general body gave its final nod after a series of discussions between the state and the Bank. Health Minister Veena George said the project would bring major developments to the state's health sector. Designed under the Programme for Results (PforR) model, the initiative aims to ensure a higher standard of living and longer life expectancy, and to help people lead lives free from preventable diseases, accidents and premature deaths. The programme will bring together various departments to respond more effectively to emerging challenges, including those caused by climate change. It also seeks to develop a stronger ecosystem for preventing non-communicable diseases, enhance preparedness for new health threats, and strengthen emergency and trauma care services through an efficient 24/7 response network with ambulances and trauma registries. The project will focus on expanding resource capacity, improving digital health applications, and increasing public spending on health. Local self-government bodies will also have a greater role, especially in elderly care. Kerala has already made remarkable progress in public health 'particularly in maternal and child health', surpassing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030. However, the state continues to face new health challenges, limited public health funding, and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases. The Health Department said the new programme would help create a modern service delivery model to address these challenges and build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for the future.

Stakeholders to shape Kerala's higher education quality with 'ZEST'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Soon, academically-inclined industry and community leaders, non teaching staff, alumni and parents will have a major say in improving the overall quality of various institutions under the state higher education department. The State Level Quality Assurance Cell (SLQAC) -Kerala under the higher education departmenthas come up with a mechanism at the institution-level named ZEST (Zeal-pool for Excellence Synergy and Transformation) to generate fresh concepts andunfiltered ideas from various stakeholders for quality enhancement that may not emerge from a formal structure. All institutions under the higher education department presently have robust Internal Quality Assurance Cells (IQACs). The proposed ZEST will be established across the state in a phased manner and will act as the first orbit of thoughts and vibrancy around the IQAC, which is the mandated nucleus of all the quality enhancement efforts. According to MA Lal, Director of SLQAC-Kerala, ZEST will be a volunteer driven group, the structure of which will remain flexible and fluid, so that it retains its non-mandated and vibrant nature. The quality assurance collective of volunteers from various sectors will work to support the IQAC.The combined efforts of both IQAC and ZEST are expected to vastly improve the performance of higher educational institutions in accreditation mechanisms and ranking frameworks. While accreditation processes and ranking frameworks are crucial in this regard, their reliance mostly on mechanical parameters often overlooks the deeper, organic consciousness of quality that must evolve within every institution. ZEST aims to fill that gap by roping in the best minds that can give valuable domain-specific inputs for each institution, Lal said. According to him, the ZEST will be constituted both at the college and university levels by next month. ZEST will provide a platform for non-mandated stakeholders to bring felt needs, innovative ideas, and suggestions for improvement to the IQAC. It will also render flexible, grassroots volunteer service for various quality related initiatives, supporting the IQAC workload. It will also serve as the institution's primary vehicle that ensures effectiveness and impact of its community linkage activities and aligning outreach with genuine social needs. EST members will act as SLQAC's on-the-ground research partners. They will be mobilised to gather vital intelligence through micro-surveys, data collection, and case studies from their institutions and communities, furnishing SLQAC with the evidence needed foreffective policy planning and training module design, Lal explained. SLQAC-Kerala will establish a dedicated channel to garner and curate all the innovative ideas, suggestions, and, most importantly, the data and insights submitted by ZEST members from across the state. This collected input will be systematically analysed and assimilated by SLQAC. It will serve as vital intelligence to mould policies and ensure that the state-level training programmes are dynamically responsive to the real, grassroots needs of the institutions, Lal said. 'Zest' for Quality Improvement Key functions: Utilise collective energy and reach of members to position institution as centre of quality academics Generate innovative ideas, concepts and suggestions for improvement of institution's standards Act as SLQAC's on-the-ground research partners, help in policy planning, training module design Facilitate institution's community linkage activities, align outreach initiatives with genuine social needs

Heavy rains lash Kerala; fishermen dies in Alappuzha, IMD issues orange alert for northern districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed several districts across Kerala on Monday, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas, officials said. In Alappuzha district, a fisherman died after his boat capsized near the Arthunkal coast following strong winds. Police identified the deceased as Paul Devasia, a native of Arthunkal. He had gone out fishing early in the morning, and though other fishermen rescued him from the water, he later died, police said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kozhikode, Kasaragod, and Kannur districts, indicating the possibility of rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204 mm within 24 hours. A yellow alert has also been issued for Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Alappuzha districts, where rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm is likely. The IMD further warned of strong winds across all districts in the state. Officials said heavy rain was reported in the northern districts since early morning, leading to waterlogging in parts of Kozhikode city, where water entered several shops near the KSRTC bus station. Intense rainfall was also reported in the high-range regions of Malappuram and Kannur, while strong winds battered coastal areas. Rain intensified in the central Kerala districts, including Ernakulam and Alappuzha, during the morning hours, authorities added. Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea owing to rough weather conditions.

1 killed, 18 injured as tourist bus overturns on MC Road in Keralas Kottayam

The bus, travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur, overturned while negotiating a curve around 2 am. 49 people were onboard at the time

One killed, 49 injured as tourist bus overturns in Kerala's Kottayam

KOTTAYAM: A woman passenger died and 49 others were injured after a tourist bus lost control and overturned at Cheenkallel here in the early hours of Monday, police said. The deceased has been identified as Sindhu, a native of Peravoor in Iritty, Kannur district. According to the police, all passengers were from Iritty and were returning home after visiting Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram. The accident occurred around 1 am when the bus, while negotiating a curve on the MC Road stretch near Cheenkallel Church, lost control, overturned, and crashed into a tree. All 49 passengers on board were taken to a private hospital in Monippally and the Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Sindhu, who was rushed to Monippally, succumbed to her injuries. Police said around 18 passengers sustained serious injuries, though their condition is stable. The overturned bus was later removed using a crane to clear the traffic disruption. Kuravilangadu police have registered a case against the driver, Vinod, for negligent driving and causing death by accident. The body of the deceased will be handed over to relatives after postmortem, police added.

Thiruvananthapuram airport to increase flight operations by 22%; Bengaluru top on list

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is increasing flight operations by 22 per cent, taking weekly air traffic movements to 732 from 600. The surge in services comes into effect with the winter schedule, which began on Sunday and runs until March 28, 2026. There has been a growing demand for air travel from Thiruvananthapuram, particularly to metro cities and popular international destinations. Domestic operations will see the most notable rise, with several new routes being introduced and existing ones expanded. New services to Navi Mumbai, Mangaluru, and Tiruchirapalli are set to begin soon. Flights to major cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and Kannur will also increase. Weekly domestic air traffic movements will rise from 300 to 406, registering a 35 per cent increase. Bengaluru will top the list with 92 flights per week, followed by Delhi with 84 and Mumbai with 70. Chennai will have 42 weekly services, while Hyderabad and Navi Mumbai will have 28 each. Kochi will be connected with 26 weekly flights, followed by Tiruchirapalli with 12, Kannur with 10, Pune with eight and Mangaluru with six. International operations are also set to grow, with weekly movements rising from 300 to 326, which is a 9 per cent increase. Flights to major Gulf and Southeast Asian destinations will expand, strengthening Thiruvananthapurams role as a major travel hub for expatriates and tourists alike. There will be 66 weekly flights to Abu Dhabi, followed 56 to Sharjah and 28 to Dammam. There will be 24 services each to Kuwait and Mal, and 22 each to Dubai, Muscat, and Kuala Lumpur. Doha will have 20 weekly flights, Singapore 14, Bahrain 10, Colombo eight, Riyadh six, and Hanimaadhoo four. The winter schedule, in effect until March 28, 2026, will be one of the busiest operational phases for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Detained ships crew allowed to disembark at Vizhinjam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a rare humanitarian move, 12 crew members aboard the Liberia-flagged cargo vessel MSC Akiteta-II were permitted to disembark at Vizhinjam International Seaport after being stranded for nearly four months, on Saturday. A special permission was obtained from immigration authorities allowing the crew change despite the ports lack of an Integrated Check Post (ICP), marking the first such operation under special circumstances. Among those relieved was Chief Engineer Avjaye Aggrey John Kobina, a Ghanaian national whose Seamans Book was nearing expiration. The departing crew was replaced by an 11-member team, including two Keralites, in a coordinated operation led by Waterline Shipping and Logistics, a Thiruvananthapuram-based agency appointed by MSC. The crew transfer was facilitated at the Kerala Maritime Boards port, which has ICP infrastructure. The sign-off team was ferried from the vessel using Adani Ports tug boat Dolphin 27, and immigration formalities were completed under the Travel and Landing Clearance protocol. Kobina departed from Thiruvananthapuram Airport on Sunday. Until now, Vizhinjam port had only permitted crew changes during medical emergencies. However, mounting personal emergencies and expiring documentation among the crew prompted the intervention.

Kerala education dept to build houses for top performers of School Sports Meet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following up on Minister V Sivankuttys announcement on Saturday that the state government will build a house for gold medal-winning athlete Devananda, the general education department has decided to build houses for star performers of the State School Sports Meet from weaker backgrounds. Announcing the new scheme in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, Sivankutty said new houses will be built for eligible students who win gold medals in the meet. Record setters are also likely to be considered for the scheme, as part of which multiple organisations have already been contacted, he said. As of now, sponsors have approached us to build over 50 homes, the general education minister said. However, the process will be longer, as norms and estimates must be prepared, followed by inspections by officials. The director of general education has been instructed to monitor the process, he said.

Kalaripayattu turns heads on Kerala School Sports Meet debut

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the senior girls neduvadipayattu competition, a kalaripayattu event, came to an end at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, two girls from Wayanad were seen walking away from the arena, engaged in a joyful conversation. Though a bit disappointed that they could not bring out their best in the kalari of the State School Sports Meet, Abhinava Shaji and Aleena Saji from St Josephs HSS, Kalladi were happy that they were able to progress to the state level with a practice of just over a week. In fact, every participant in the kalaripayattu events chuvadu, meypayattu, and neduvadipayattu received appreciation from the crowd for their spot-on timing and smooth moves. Introduced in the meet for the first time, kalaripayattu has gained the attention of spectators and the confidence of organisers. The warm response will serve as the foundation for the martial art form in the coming editions of the sports meet, the organisers said. Winners of the senior boys neduvadipayattu, Bhagath K Janan and Athiradh Sujith of GHSS, Mattannoor, said their peers interest in learning kalaripayattu has increased manifold after the two were selected for the meet. With a gold medal in the first year of kalaripayattu, we are proud to be part of history, said an overjoyed Athiradh, who has been learning the martial art since 2016. Bhagath, on the other hand, wished for energetic applause throughout the contest When we are inside the arena, constant cheer will boost our spirits, right? he said. Though not planning to teach kalaripayattu in the future, Bhagath wanted to learn the martial art deeper and participate in more competitions.

PM SHRI row: CPIs opposition fraternal friction, says Kerala Education Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid rising concerns and criticisms from different corners regarding the state governments acceptance of the PM-SHRI scheme, General Education Minister V Sivankutty termed CPIs opposition on the issue as fraternal friction. CPI is a brotherly party. Raising ones concern about a matter is part of democratic practice. Sometimes, brothers have friction among themselves, Sivankutty said during a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Stating that the Centre has always been of the opinion that NEP need not be completely implemented in the state, he said Union secretary for school education and literacy Sanjay Kumars remark about the state becoming a signatory to PM-SHRI also reflects that stand. The state has the freedom to move ahead with its own education policy, which the memorandum of understanding does not bar, the minister said. Sivankutty also said that the state government has studied the examples of other states where the scheme has been implemented, reiterating that no change will be made in the syllabus as part of the scheme. Just because the MoU has been signed, it doesnt mean that we cannot do anything else afterwards, he said, clarifying that both the state and the Centre can have discussions about changes and even approach the court if needed. Earlier in the day, Sivankutty had said that the state decided to become a signatory to the PM-SHRI scheme only to prevent the loss of central funds worth Rs 1,500 crore. At the same time, LDF ally CPI has not softened its stand on the issue, with its ministers refusing to make an affirmative statement. Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil said the party has not gone back on its opposition to the scheme. Revenue Minister K Rajan refused to respond to the developments while Agriculture Minister P Prasad said every state that becomes a signatory to the scheme will have to function as a showcase of the scheme. This means that we will have to implement the Sangh parivar agenda, the minister said at a public function in Alappuzha. On Monday, the CPM state secretariat will meet to discuss the PM-SHRI issue. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will also attend the meeting, sources said. CM returns to state, talks on PM SHRI likely TPuram: With Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan returning to the state after his foreign tour, there are prospects of conciliatory talks between the CPM and CPI over the PM SHRI project. The CPI is against the implementation of the project, citing that it is part of the National Education Policy, which does not align with the Leftist principles. On Monday, the CM will inaugurate the valedictory function of the 79th Punnapra Vayalar Martyrs Day observance, which will be attended by senior CPM and CPI leaders. The CPIs state executive will also meet in Alappuzha, where the PM SHRI issue will be discussed and the partys further course of action will be decided.

Sabarimala gold missing case: Former TDB officials to be interrogated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team (SIT) will interrogate more former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case on Monday and Tuesday. The accused, including former Sabarimala executive officer D Sudheesh Kumar and former TDB secretary Jayasree, will be summoned for questioning as the police custody of key accused Unnikrishnan Potti expires by October 30, sources said. The SIT plan, sources added, is to question the accused in Pottis presence. Sudheesh and Jayasree allegedly aided former Sabarimala administrative officer Murari Babu, who has been arrested, in the subterfuge. Sudheesh is accused of trying to conceal the fact that the dwarapalaka idols and the door frames were gold-plated and instead mentioning them as copper sheets in official records. Jayasree has been accused of tweaking the TDB order allowing Potti to take the sheets for repair. The investigation so far has revealed Potti had diverted a part of the amount collected for Sabarimala for personal use, said sources.

German delegation visit Bio360 Life Sciences Park in Thiruvananthapuram

2025 local body polls: over 29.04 lakh voters in Thiruvananthapuram district

The number has increased by 16,828 over the previous revision, held earlier this year, and 77,902 voters compared to the voters list used in the 2020 local body elections.

Thiruvananthapuram makes a big splash at State School Sports Meet.

Thiruvananthapuram garnered 649 points to finish way ahead of Thrissur (149 ponts) and Ernakulam (133) in the points table.

Sabarimala gold theft: SIT brings Unnikrishnan Potty back after searches in Karnataka, TN

The Special Investigation Team probing the Sabarimala temple gold loss has concluded evidence collection in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty was present during the searches. The team returned to Thiruvananthapuram with Potty. Searches were conducted at a jewellery shop and offices linked to the gold-plating work. A former administrative officer has also been arrested.

Thiruvananthapuram airport sees 22% increase in flights during winter schedule

Thiruvananthapuram airport will handle 732 weekly air traffic movements, up from 600 in the summer schedule.

Businessman wanted in Keralas Jawahar Nagar real-estate grab case nabbed from Chennai

A plainclothes crime squad arrested Anil Thampi in the case concerning the illegal acquisition and subsequent sale of an expansive mansion on prime land at the upscale residential locality in Thiruvananthapuram

Poll arrangements for 2025 Kerala local body elections: State Election Commission to meet political parties on October 29

National and State-level parties can send one representative each to the meeting, which will be held in Thiruvananthapuram

State School Sports Meet: Palakkad pulls off consecutive senior boys tug-of-war titles

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a gruelling contest that stretched 8.43 minutes, Palakkad bagged the gold in the senior boys tug-of-war at the State School Sports Meet, toppling Kannur in an event that they have had a firm grip on over the years. It marks the second consecutive year that Palakkad dominated the category. However, the event was not without controversy. Participants raised concerns over the frequent change of venues. Originally scheduled at the Central Stadium, competition was shifted to College of Agriculture, Vellayani, following heavy rain. On Friday, fixtures were disrupted as the ground turned soggy. They were later completed indoors at the Central Stadium on Saturday. The final was intense. Had it been held at Vellayani, we would have been at a disadvantage, said Jamshad K, coach of the Palakkad team. Kannur is determined to come back stronger next time. Palakkad are a strong team and their preparation showed in their game. Though we managed to retain the cup in the senior girls category, it was tough here. We only practise during the season, said Kannur coach Sreeraj K K. Three months of strenuous practice paid off, said Palakkad captain Suriyan V S, who is also the youngest member of the team. Kannur assistant coach Pranav P added that they were worried their efforts might be in vain when the venue was shifted to Vellayani. In the senior girls category, Kannur beat Malappuram for the title. Idukki picked up the bronze. On Friday, Palakkad picked up the junior boys title. The Vellayani ground was soggy from the rain. The fixtures in the junior events were difficult for all teams. Had it been held in Vellayani, it would not have been fair, said Palakkad junior team manager Megha C P.

Kerala University VC to hold Syndicate meet on November 1 to address pending matters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal has convened a meeting of the varsity Syndicate on November 1 to decide on many important academic matters that have been pending resolution for the past many weeks. As a petition seeking urgent convening of the Syndicate has been filed before the High Court, the varsity has informed the court of the impending Syndicate meeting. The varsity has also made arrangements to convene the Syndicate meeting under CCTV surveillance to check any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, pro-left Syndicate members are likely to press for revocation of the suspension of K S Anil Kumar from the post of Registrar during the upcoming meeting. They will also demand that Anil Kumars suspension period be considered as regular duty. On the other hand, the vice-chancellor will place a report before the Syndicate on the unauthorised processing of files by Anil Kumar during his suspension period. Another report on the unauthorised use of the Registrars official car by Anil Kumar will also be brought up before the Syndicate. According to sources, the report on Anil Kumar has concluded that the issuance of certificates by him during his suspension period constituted a grave lapse. The Syndicate will also be urged to consider whether the certificates issued on the directions of Anil Kumar should be revoked.

School Sports Meet: Records pour in on Day 4

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marking the end of the fourth day, a total of 25 new records were set in a single day in the State School Sports Meet. Thiruvananthapuram has established a strong lead from the beginning. The host district tops the charts with 165 gold, 122 silver, and 138 bronze medals, amassing 1,472 points. Thrissur trails in second place with 694 points, having secured 76 gold, 38 silver, and 78 bronze medals. Palakkad stands third with 615 points, including 47 gold, 66 silver, and 73 bronze medals, while Kannur follows with 603 points. In aquatics, the competitions concluded with Thiruvananthapuram claiming the crown with 649 points. Thrissur managed 149 points to take second place, while Ernakulam earned 133 and Palakkad 49. In athletics, Palakkad continues its strong run with 16 gold, 11 silver, and six bronze medals, totalling 134 points so far. Malappuram follows with 112 points, Kozhikode with 73, and Kannur with 29. Out of 402 completed game events, Thiruvananthapuram has collected 799 points. Kannur holds the second position with 572 points, and Thrissur ranks third with 530.

Sprinters have a field day at 67th state school sports meet in T'Puram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was a day marked by multiple titles on the track and in the pool, and heartwarming moments at the 67th State School Sports Meet. On another physically draining day, Devananda V Biju rode the emotional roller-coaster, adding the junior girls 200m title to her victory in the blue-riband 100m a couple of days back despite suffering from appendicitis. On Saturday, she hit the tape in a meet record of 24.96s, obliterating the old mark of 25.13s set eight years ago. General Education Minister V Sivankutty added further excitement, announcing a new house for Devananda, after he heard her talking to reporters about her family not having a residence of their own. The fact that Devananda decided to take part in the meet despite suffering from appendicitis is an example of her dedication, the minister said. Adithya Aji of Navamukunda HSS won her third gold on the track, winning the senior girls 200m sprint. She had earlier picked up the 100m and 100m hurdles titles. J Nivedkrishna of GHSS Chittur also maintained his golden streak, breaking a 14-year-old record in the senior boys 200m with a time of 21.67s. He had been adjudged fastest boy of the meet after his 100m win. Athul T M of GDVHSS Charamangalam also added the 200m (21.97s) to his 100m win. In the process, he bettered the eight-year-old meet record of 21.87s Thiruvananthapuram continued to dominate the points table. The district won 73 gold to emerge champions in aquatics, amassing a total of 649 points. The team was followed by Thrissur (149) and Ernakulam (133). It was another record-breaking spree in the pool. After bagging gold in 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke in the sub junior girls category, Aajushi Avantikaa S A of MVHSS Thundathil, Thiruvananthapuram, went on to secure her third medal and record, winning the 100m free in 1:07.49. Double victory Education Minister V Sivankutty has announced a new house for athlete Devananda, after he heard her talking to reporters about her family not having a residence of their own.The fact that Devananda decided to take part in the meet despite suffering from appendicitis is an example of her dedication, he said.

SIT recovers part of gold sold by Potti in Ballari

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major breakthrough in the Sabarimala gold theft case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Saturday recovered more than 400g of gold from a jewellery shop in Karnatakas Ballari. The gold, allegedly sold by first accused Unnikrishnan Potti to local jeweller Govardhanan, was recovered from Roddam Jewellery owned by the latter. The SIT recovered a portion of the gold linked to the theft by tracing its trail to Ballari. According to sources, the gold was allegedly handed over by Potti to Govardhan, who later converted it into gold bars and stored in his jewellery. Potti had allegedly given him 476g of gold. The officials have not yet confirmed whether the entire quantity has been recovered. The SIT had questioned Govardhan on Friday, after finding that Potti had sold gold to him. Govardhan is learnt to have told the SIT that he had no role in the theft and that he was unaware that the gold was acquired through fraudulent means. He allegedly said he first met Unnikrishnan Potti in 2019, when Potti had asked if he could contribute a new temple door. He agreed to it believing it to be an auspicious offer. It is indicated that officials are considering making him a witness in the case after seeking legal advice. Meanwhile, the Roddam Jewellery in Ballari remained closed. A notice with a phone number for customer contact has been pasted on the shops shutter. The store was reportedly closed a few days ago. Sabarimala gold theft: SIT takes priest-turned-businessman Unnikrishnan Potti into custody

PM SHRI project: CPI stands firm despite CPMs conciliatory efforts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the conciliatory efforts of the CPM which deputed General Education Minister V Sivankutty to placate the CPI state leadership following its opposition towards the state signing PM SHRI project, the latter refused to yield to the formers diplomacy. The CPI state leadership is learnt to have told the minister that since breaches in left policy and lapses in collective responsibility occurred at the cabinet level, it must be dealt with at the leadership level. Efforts to resolve the ongoing tussle between the two coalition partners are expected to begin on Sunday, after the chief minister returns from abroad. The CM is scheduled to reach the state on October 26. The crucial CPI state executive meeting to take a final decision on the issue will be held in Alappuzha on October 27. The crisis deepened on Saturday, a day after CPI accused CPM of breaching coalition principles, by signing the PM SHRI project with the central government. Minister Sivankutty approached his colleague and CPI leader G R Anil and visited CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam to explain the circumstances. The minister reportedly admitted to lapses in not informing CPI ministers before signing the project. However, he explained that the decision was taken to ensure funds, rightfully due to the state, are released without delay. He also told the leadership that the National Educational Project, part of the said project, would not be implemented in the state. The state syllabi for this year and next year have already been fixed. Around 13 crore textbooks have been printed. Hence, the issue of implementing the NEP is out of question, he reportedly said. Binoy Viswam, however, contested the ministers explanation, pointing out that the Central government had prescribed NEP- related clauses as part of the project. He also noted that in some states where NEP had been implemented, textbooks were altered to modify historic facts. This is a national project of RSS. Is there any assurance in the MoU that the NEP will be excluded? If so, CPI will welcome it, Binoy reportedly told the minister. Meanwhile, in another effort to break the deadlock, CPI general secretary D Raja met CPM general secretary M A Baby in Delhi on Saturday. The CPI leadership expressed serious differences with the CPM state leadership, accusing it of deviating from declared left policies and demanded corrective action. Everyone knows that NEP is part of the BJP- RSS agenda, Raja told TNIE. It is aimed at communalising the education sector. Baby agreed to this. Tamil Nadu has decided not to implement the project. Why cant Kerala follow the same path? he asked. After the discussion, Baby said the issue would be taken up at the state leadership level.

Tirupati-model administration required in Sabarimala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recent controversy over the missing gold at Sabarimala temple has revealed the systemic flaws in the functioning of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). While the board members change every two years, the absence of a top-level professional management is posing a challenge to efficient administration of temples and other institutions, said former chief secretary K Jayakumar, who served in various capacities with the board and Sabarimala. Pitching for a Tirupati-model administration at the hill shrine, Jayakumar pointed at the need to plug loopholes in the Sabarimala administration by minimising manual interventions. The senior bureaucrat, who led the high-powered committee for Sabarimala from 2012 to 17, said structural changes should be made in TDB for proper management of Sabarimala and other shrines. On the Tirupati model, a senior IAS officer should be posted at the boards helm, he told TNIE as part of Express Dialogues. Assigned by the state, Jayakumar had studied the functioning of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board. I submitted the report in 2012. Sabarimala and Tirupati are different in nature. Tirupati allows darshan throughout the year. Here, the temple is opened periodically and hence there are some peculiar problems. A full-fledged office of TTD is functioning at Tirumala, led by a senior officer. That machinery is well geared to meet any eventuality, he said. Jayakumar said TDB should replace the seasonal arrangements at Sabarimala with a permanent system. In his report, he had suggested opening permanent offices of TDB at Pampa and Pathanamthitta. P4

Missing gold controversy does not surprise me: Former CS K Jayakumar

Former Chief Secretary K Jayakumar probably has had the longest tenure in Sabarimala in different capacities, including as special commissioner and chairman of the HC-appointed high-powered committee. One of the key driving forces behind the tagline Kerala - Gods Own Country, he is a rare combination of poetry and bureaucracy. A multifaceted personality, he is a Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet, versatile lyricist, accomplished administrator, and an acclaimed painter. In a free-wheeling conversation, Jayakumar tells TNIE that the Travancore Devaswom Board has structural problems and explains what needs to be done to protect the sanctity of the hill shrine. Excerpts You had a long tenure at Sabarimala in different capacities. Whats your take on the current controversy over the missing gold? My long tenure at Sabarimala has helped me understand the developmental trajectory and the structural weaknesses in its totality. The current controversy doesnt surprise me. There are structural problems in the (Travancore Devaswom) Board. As a functional entity, the board should be more professional. The staff needs training. The system has to improve and information technology should be applied. We can plug the loopholes in Sabarimala by minimising manual interventions. Sponsorship-related issues led to the recent controversy... Sponsorship is a good thing. But how we channelise sponsorships is important. Who should a prospective sponsor meet? Ideally, we should have a system under which terms and conditions are fixed, like the deliverables by the sponsor and the privileges hed get. TDBs dealing with sponsors is amorphous. Systems should be objective, with an officer in charge of sponsorships. Middlemen arise because TDB doesnt have such a system. Sabarimala can be managed well, if theres an objective and professional system in place. A lot of people would be ready to make contributions to Lord Ayyappa if the money is used well. What are the other administrative weaknesses you noticed at Sabarimala? The temple cannot be run like a government office, as it deals with customs and traditions. Devotees are often impulsive and emotional. We should have the machinery to handle all these. There should be dialogue with devotees, objectivity, and transparency. Theres definitely a need to modernise the boards administration. I hope this crisis will turn out to be an opportunity for modernisation. The board should become efficient through process re-engineering, inducting new people; the general administrative level should be raised. A core question is whether the state is required to administer temples The Travancore Maharaja was the administrator of all these temples. When the princely rule ended, all such temples except the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (in Thiruvananthapuram), was handed over to the government through a covenant. The covenant says the government shall not directly administer temples. Instead, a board representing the devotees was to be formed, which would hold authority over temple affairs. This covenant is still upheld in letter and spirit. The government isnt directly involved in temple administration; its role is limited to appointing board members. But there are campaigns claiming that the government siphoned off money from Sabarimala Theres a widespread misinformation campaign that money from TDB temples is spent for other things by the government. It is aimed at polarisation and to create confusion. Government does not take a single paisa from the board. Its impossible as well. The board cannot even withdraw its fixed deposits without court permission. Claims of fund diversion by the government are entirely baseless and malicious. Many conspiracy theories are being floated in that regard... They are mere conspiracies. In fact, the government provides financial support to Devaswoms. During my tenure, I introduced a dedicated budget head for the Sabarimala master plan and allocated Rs 10 crore. Beyond that, we neither take money from Sabarimala nor provide additional funds. Such a claim is entirely false. Even during the counting of offerings, strict protocols are followed to prevent any form of theft or misappropriation. The government does not take a penny from Sabarimala. Does TDB use revenue from Sabarimala to support other temples? Yes. A significant portion of the boards revenue comes from Sabarimala. Only a handful of other temples like Chettikulangara and Malayalapuzha generate enough income to sustain themselves. The salaries of Devaswom employees are largely funded by Sabarimala. There were discussions about creating a Sabarimala Trust, similar to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trust... Establishing an autonomous trust for the temple could severely impact TDBs financial stability. Any new administrative mechanism must be relevant and meaningful, with a distinct identity. It should offer functional autonomy while preserving the boards rights over the temples revenue. Running Sabarimala costs approximately Rs 100 crore annually. Appointing a senior officer and implementing a standardised framework could significantly improve the management of Sabarimala. Isnt it the Devaswom Boards responsibility to ensure the quality of products distributed from temples, like sandalwood paste? Absolutely. The board bears full responsibility. Temples are run using devotees money and its the boards duty to uphold their trust. They must ensure the sanctity and quality of offerings. Devotees should hold the board accountable. There are demands for greater government control over temple administration. Whats your view? I believe these demands are related to future development needs, which require coordination between departments like PWD and forest. To my knowledge, neither this government nor any previous government has sought direct control over temple administration. It wouldnt be possible anywayit would violate the covenant that governs temple management. The master plan sets a vision for 2040, which is ambitious and challenging. Executing it sustainably is even harder. Is the disappearance of goldunnoticed since 2019 and only surfacing in 2025a failure of the system? Yes, it reflects a systemic failure. Since its a matter under judicial review, I wont comment. What surprises me is how something as valuable as gold was taken out of the temple. It belongs to Lord Ayyappa. Why wasnt it repaired on-site? Both the court and temple manuals clearly state that no items belonging to Ayyappa should be removed from the premises. How effective is the audit system? Id prefer not to comment as its under scrutiny by multiple agencies. Can the public access information about temple assets? Each temple has a thiruvabharana commissioner responsible for ornaments and jewellery, which are stored in secure chambers. Whether these assets are audited or stock-verified regularly, I cant say. Thats what I refer to as systemic failure. There should be annual stock verification for such precious items. Some board members privately complain that excessive court interference curbs the boards autonomy... Autonomy doesnt mean sovereign power. Institutions are always bound by checks and balances. Theres no merit in that argument. Court monitoring provides necessary supervision it isnt judicial activism. The Hindu Religious Endowments Act, which came after the covenant, defines the courts role. It has the legal authority to audit temple assets, which is why it intervenes in places like Guruvayur. The courts are fulfilling their legal obligations. Judicial supervision is beneficialwithout it, things could deteriorate further. Whos responsible for the 2019 lapse? My question is: why was the item allowed to be removed from the site? Can the administrative office alone be held responsible? Nobody suddenly decides to take gold from Sabarimala. There must have been a conspiracy. How could it happen without the boards knowledge? I dont know. It wasnt robberyit was taken out as if it were legitimate. There must have been a process behind it. When intent is bad, consultation becomes conspiracy. When the board takes a decision, can a commissioner record his objections? The Act is a bit vague on this aspect. You have to empower the office of the executive officer, who is the trustee of the faith of crores of people. We have to elevate the office to a higher level. Elevating the system means bringing in professionalism. How transparent are the kanikka (hundi) offerings? It is transparent as it doesnt go to anyones pocket but is sent through a conveyor belt which nobody tampers with. It heads straight to the counting centre. A vigilance officer had said bundles of notes were taken to Thiruvananthapuram... (Dismissively) What all people say! These are many stories for which there is no evidence. The basis of your questions hints theres a dharmic flaw or a deterioration of values. The flaw in public and administrative morality that has affected other sectors has affected TDB too. We should focus on how we can check this systemically. Can the example of Tirupati be emulated in Sabarimala? Thats possible. But there are many problems. Mindsets and attitudes need to change. Tirumala has been a model for many years. Pilgrims comfort is taken care of; they are fed as guests of Lord Venkateswara. But in our temples, our annadanam has a take it or leave it attitude. It is a question of the attitude of Malayalis. The board alone cannot be blamed. But can we compare Sabarimala, a hill shrine located in the forest, to the Tirupati temple? Theres no comparison at all. Maintaining Sabarimala is a big issue. We should remove the defects using the master plan. Thats why we made Nilakkal a base camp. We have a huge parking complex and accommodation facilities there. Sabarimala has a unique character. Devotees climb uphill, facing hardship with devotion. There are attempts to convert it into more of a tourist centre It shouldnt be. Thats the challenge of implementing the master plan that envisages convenience to pilgrims and respect for the environment. Its a forest shrine and therein lies its power. We cant agree to anything that upsets the forests. If that happens, the very character of the shrine is lost. We should in fact plant trees to compensate for the deforestation that happened earlier. Theres a suggestion to keep Sabarimala temple open round the year. Is that practical? Its better not to interfere with customs and ritualistic practices. Recently, there was a plan to relocate bhasmakkulam. Is that part of the master plan? It has more to do with customs rather than the master plan. As per vastu shastra, ponds should be located on the north-east side. But here, its on the north-west side astrologically, not ideal. Many thantris have mentioned this. The shrine comes within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. What kind of construction is allowed in such a sensitive location? Within the 67 acres, we have some freedom to carry out construction, but we cannot cut trees. Will the offices of thantri and melsanthi be relocated? Yes, they have to be relocated. Its a shrine. There shouldnt be any residential area there. The same applies to the executive officers residence too. The master plan too suggests the removal of residential buildings around the shrine. Are we looking at aesthetics too? The high-powered committee has a role here. We should maintain architectural consistency and follow height regulations. The master plan covers zoning and architectural uniformity. I think around 25% of the master plan has been completed so far. Whats causing the delay? There may be delays due to resources. Sponsors havent done much to implement the master plan... they are willing to give money to Ayyappa but not to set up facilities for devotees. There are interested parties. If we handle this professionally, we will get donations. We need a professional toolkit to negotiate with sponsors. There should be a clear procedure to select sponsors. Will these controversies affect the trust of sponsors? We have to wait and see. What kind of system would you suggest to handle sponsorship? A manual for sponsorship is required to remove middlemen and to ensure transparency, thereby allowing those who have money to come forward. We should objectify the deliverables to the sponsor. Whats the system followed currently? Now, everythings done in an informal manner. Even the court insists that nothing be given formally and that everyone be treated alike. I think there should be no space for subjective interpretation. If I am a donor, I should be entitled to certain privileges. If the court doesnt permit it, we should try to convince the court. If we ensure transparency, therell be no issue. Whats your take on special darshan? Ayyappan doesnt encourage it. There are many temples which allow special darshan; I dont agree with it. Was it right to limit the virtual queue? I dont know much about it. The desirability of virtual queue should be revisited. There are certain cases where we have to give some privileges to people like senior citizens or VIPs. All these are currently done informally. Theres nothing wrong with including the donor too. I personally dont prefer any kind of discrimination before Ayyappan. A majority of Devaswom Board employees reportedly belong to a certain caste None of these are legal. Other than the normal reservation criteria in government, Devaswom Boards dont have any additional reservation. According to law, only the reservation policy followed by the government is applicable. What about ooranma rights? Thats only in the Malabar Devaswom Board. It is very limited in Travancore Devaswom Board. Koodalmanikyam also falls under the Malabar Devaswom Board, where the karayma people have certain rights. But these arent legally tenable once a board is formed. We have to convince them that if there is a law in the land, it is applicable to all. You were one of the most popular collectors in Kozhikode. People still talk about your tenure there Becoming a district collector is an opportunity, as you have more freedom. I had a bit more freedom at the time, as the collector was in charge of the corporation too. I got a go-ahead from the then Chief Minister K Karunakaran. I did things which I felt Kozhikode needed. It was a time when Vaikom Muhammed Basheer, Thikkodiyan and M T Vasudevan Nair were active. The friendship and support they extended were a great endorsement of the sincerity of purpose. Speaking of MT, the lyrics of the song Chandanalepa Sugandham were asked to be rewritten multiple times... It took many days. I see it as a sign of MTs care for me, as he wanted me to write the best lyrics possible. MT is a perfectionist. From MT, I understood a great artists sense of benchmark. He would always say, You can do better. You were instrumental in starting IFFK, and also played a key role in branding Kerala as Gods Own Country When we thought about organising the film festival, the KSFDC didnt have money. But we managed to get sponsorship, and the first film festival was held in Kozhikode. Later, the government took it up in the third year through the film academy. It was P A Sreenivasan who brought me into tourism. I wanted Kerala to make an impact and thought of bringing a splashy advertisement campaign. Im happy that I was actively involved in coining the tagline Gods Own Country. Your father (M Krishnan Nair) was a filmmaker who directed three chief ministers MGR, NTR and Jayalalithaa. But its said he didnt want you to enter cinema My father never saw cinema as a bad thing. Many youngsters then used to come into the world of glamour like fireflies and fade away. He didnt want his children to end up like that. My father said he wasnt banning me from films, but was asking me not to hamper my education. After I joined IAS, I started writing songs. He encouraged me. He directed three chief ministers. He was a humble man and never realised the magnitude of that achievement. In which songs did the visualisation do justice to your lyrics? I think a majority of the songs did not do justice to the lyrics. The song Sooryaamshuvoro Vayalpoovilum was portrayed in a relatively better manner... the euphoria has been captured in the shots. Youve also directed a movie... Yes, Varnachirakukal. If I make a movie, it will have a social bearing. If the right kind of producer comes around, I might make a movie. I am not bothered about age. (Laughs). Have you ever fallen into political red-tapism, given the scope for clashes between politicians and bureaucrats? Theres no need for it. Do what is right. Some people may not like what you do because your right may be somebodys wrong. Recently, you spoke against the tendency of one-size-fits-all being imposed upon us... Yes. I recently wrote a poem against this. If we cry, all of us are to cry the same way: one nation - one cry, one nation - one laughter. I may not be an activist. But if somebody has the patience to dwell on my poetry, itll prove rewarding. Youve donned many roles and had an illustrious career. Which one do you cherish the most? I am essentially a poet (smiles). Do you see yourself as a bureaucrat who is a poet or a poet who is a bureaucrat? That is a big predicament I face. Poetry is your very being. I have written film songs and have held high-profile bureaucratic positions, but the stamp of IAS poet is more or less a permanent fixture on me. I dont mind. I am someone who was a poet even before I became an IAS officer.

Heartbreak after Messi affair

KOCHI: Disbelief and disappointment swept through Keralas football circles on Saturday as confirmation arrived that Lionel Messi and Argentina will not play in Kochi this November. The world champions much-hyped visit has been called off, leaving fans wondering if they were strung along by organisers who kept changing venues and dates. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) ended the suspense on Saturday, announcing that the team would train in Spain before playing their only friendly, against Angola in Luanda on November 14. After the match, the delegation will return to Europe to continue training until November 18, AFA said, confirming that India is not on their itinerary. Did everything possible, says Abdurahiman Australia, Argentinas supposed opponent, also released its schedule for the same period matches against Venezuela and Colombia in the US closing the door on Keralas hopes. The cancellation brings to an end a year-long state-backed attempt to host a high-profile ArgentinaAustralia match at Kochis Jawaharlal Nehru International (JLN) Stadium. The event was to be organised by the sports department and its commercial partner, Reporter Broadcasting Company, which claimed to have transferred Rs 130 crore to AFA in June. The rest of the Rs 200-crore budget was set aside for stadium renovation and logistics. Messi project was messy from Day 1 Initially pitched for Thiruvananthapuram and later shifted to Kochi, the project had fuelled huge excitement. Fans started painting streets blue and white, and the JLN stadium was under frantic renovation. Now, with AFAs confirmation, that enthusiasm has given way to frustration. Reporter Broadcasting Company MD Anto Augustine cited procedural delays and FIFAs five-hour flight limit as reasons for the cancellation. Once vocal about legal action, he now says the company will not seek a refund and hopes to bring Argentina in March 2026 instead. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman said Kerala did everything possible and blamed negative reports for creating confusion. Meanwhile, Messi is expected to visit India in December, with fan events planned in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. If we only wanted to bring Messi, we could have done that. But we wanted the entire team the world champions to come to Kerala, the minister said. We met the FIFA vice-president directly and worked hard for this. Unfortunately, the approvals were delayed by a few days, Abdurahiman said.

Messi project was messy from Day 1

KOCHI: The Messi project of the Kerala government was always a messy business. From the start, it was riddled with confusion, shifting sponsors, and half-baked plans that kept fans guessing whether Lionel Messi would ever set foot in the state. It began last November, when Sports Minister V Abdurahiman grandly announced that Argentina would play an international exhibition match in Kerala. The events sponsorship was first handed to a faction of the All Kerala Gold & Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA), which proposed a bizarre purchase-point ticketing system through its Oloppo app offering tickets in exchange for reward points on jewellery and consumer purchases. It never took off. It had to do with clearances for fund transfers from the Reserve Bank of India. Even though we tried, we could not get the required sanctions in time, said Moidu Varamangalath, state working secretary of AKGSMA. Following the setback, the project was handed over to the Reporter Broadcasting Company in December. But even then, silence prevailed for months. When the Argentine Football Association (AFA) finally announced this August that its November window would be dedicated to Angola and India, hopes were revived -- albeit briefly. The match was first planned at Thiruvananthapurams Greenfield Stadium, but the idea drew criticism since the cricket grounds hard surface posed injury risk to players. A Messi affair: Should Kerala focus on producing Blue Tigers rather than hosting the GOAT? The venue was then shifted to Kochis Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium another problematic choice. The home of the Indian League (ISL) team, the Kerala Blasters, had repeatedly been flagged for safety and structural issues. In fact, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) denied the club a licence in May over safety concerns at the venue. Even though we hoped that Argentina would come, the confusion from the beginning cannot be ignored. Agencies close to Messi and Team Argentina were sure he wont be coming. Its not easy to bring an entire team like this, considering their tightly packed club schedule, said veteran sports journalist K Pradeep. Adding to the intrigue, both AIFF and the Kerala Football Association were not part of the entire exercise -- unusual for an international fixture of this scale. Now, with AFA confirming Angola as their only November stop, the much-hyped Kerala fixture has collapsed. The sponsors say they will aim for the March 2026 window, but that, too, looks improbable with the FIFA World Cup just three months away.

More amoebic meningoencephalitis cases reported in Kerala

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BJPs day-night blockade in Thiruvananthapuram over gold theft case concludes

Party State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar says BJP will continue agitation till the perpetrators are put in jail