Expand Keralams tax base to tap economic potential: M.A. Oommen
At conference on GST reforms, Transport Minister C.P. John stresses need to improve GST collection and strengthen mechanisms to detect tax evasion
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) Football in Kerala is deeply rooted in the state's culture. For decades, the fans of the state throng the stadiums, stick to their TV screens and dive into the euphoria of the beautiful sport. With the Super League Kerala set to enter its third season, the organisers feel that the league has all that it takes to further transcend the emotions of the fans and fuel the love more. Speaking exclusively to IANS, the league's CEO and Director Mathew Joseph detailed how the SLK has been working 365 days for a tournament which is only two and a half months long and how they have been working behind the scenes for the success that glares on the screens. The league has caught the eyeballs after the first two seasons, and with the deeply rooted culture of football in Kerala, it only promises to get better and better. We finished season 1 in 2024 and then season 2 last year. And the jump between the first season and the second was huge in terms of the spectators as well as in terms of all the participants and the aspirants to actually be a part of this league. So we could see that huge level of interest which came in, Mathew told IANS. Now we've been constantly putting in a lot of efforts on the grassroots as well as on the other side, putting up reasonably good games. We are trying to bring in a good quality of game here, wherein our local talent also gets a chance, he added. The league might run for two and a half months, but Mathew highlighted that the work behind the tournament and scouting remains a 365-day thing. He revealed how the league introduced a grassroots programme called the Game Changer Project and a special tie-up with Spanish legend and former footballer Andres Iniesta in the scouting work. And that (finding grassroots players) doesn't just come by holding the league, because our intervention into society and the people and the players is 365 days. So, I don't know if you're aware of it, we do close to about 2000 matches in a year, you know, which is not a small number. I think we are one state which can proudly say that we are engaged with the people 365 days a year. We just don't do a league and disappear and then come back for three or four months. The work goes much beyond the tournament and extends to holding matches at small levels to find more talent, Mathew emphasised. So we do close to about 2000 odd matches, okay, which also includes about 200 matches of Kerala Premier League, which is also another property which we hold. Apart from that, the university-level matches, the college-level matches. So a lot of that happens. We do scouting round the year with all these tournaments that happen. And we have a structured scouting, which is called the programme game changer. So we started with Andres Iniesta, who is one of the world's well-known footballers, a Spanish player who played in the World Cup twice. So, we tied up with Iniesta, and we had the first session (Game Changer project) with him. And with those learnings, we've rolled out the project Game Changer for the next two years. Following their collaboration with Iniesta, the League is also taking inputs from the German football association, the DFB. And (from) second year onwards, we have rolled out our own programme taking into account all the best practises. Also taking inputs from the German Football Association because we are tied up with DFB, he added. Meanwhile, the League Director also stated that the league is setting up a Centre of Excellence, through which hundreds of talents will be trained. Each of our club has been involved in academies. And Super League Kerala is also setting up a Centre of Excellence, where in about 200 talents every year will be taken into the Centre of Excellence. And from there on, we give them further training with the residential academics mixed together. The League has six teams with matches taking place at home and away bases before the semifinals kick in. This time, however, the league has brought in a couple of notable changes that might fascinate the fans even more. One is to hold penalty shootouts for even tied group stage games to break the deadlocks, and the other is two-legged semifinals, at home and away bases, similar to what is seen in the Champions League knockouts. So, this year, what we are looking at is a penalty shootout. And at the end of the (league) game, there will be a definitive winner. So, that is rule number one, which we are implementing. This is accepted by FIFA and the All India Football Federation. We have taken the approvals for that. So, I think for the first time in the country, we will have a league which has implemented a penalty shootout at the end of the match. We are also going to have a home and away, leg 1 and leg 2 of the semifinals. So, that is the first time we are introducing this thing. So, earlier we had two semifinals and the final. This year, what we are doing is there will be the first leg of the semifinal. And the same team will go and play against the opposite team on their home turf. So, they get two chances, Mathew said. But with the changes, there should be another important addition to the target, and that is to expand the teams. Mathew said that they are in the process of adding teams, but want a team from a region which has a stadium of decent capacity to enthral the fans and give them matches to watch. Yes, we are currently in the process of talking to two more teams. We should have two new teams introduced by next year. We were trying to do it this year. But the infrastructure requirements will not be met. So that we have a decent enough stadium, he said. The seating capacities in the current stadium are over 15,000 at every venue, with the Calicut Stadium holding 40,000 people. Mathew said that they would want a team which has a stadium size of at least 15,000 and are open to have only one team if the other does not meet the criteria. So, we are looking at two teams which will have a stadium size of at least 15,000 plus. Because otherwise it becomes small for us to host a game. So, by next year we will have two teams. (But) If we are able to do one team, one good venue, we will go for one. Because we don't want to have a team without a home stadium. That is a must. That is mandatory for a team. Otherwise, there is no fun for the home fans, he added. Mathew also provided a roadmap for the future of the league, stating that they have a 10-year roadmap and if all pieces fall into place, then here is no limit to the growth. We have made a 10-year plan roadmap, and things really look good with the support of the government and the federation. So, I am assuming that the government supports it, which the Kerala government has always been very supportive of, and even with the new government coming in, they have come up with many plans to support and take this thing quite forward. So, I see that there is a huge amount of interest anyways in Kerala. And if we are able to put all the pieces together in a structured manner, I think there is no limit to it. And one good thing is that we have never treated this as a regional league. We have always looked at it from a nation's point of view. He highlighted that they always intend to cater to Indian fans all around the world, with broadcasting across lengths and breadths available. That is the reason why we have always worked with a national broadcasting channel like Star Sports or Hotstar in year one. We worked with Doordarshan, Sony, and Etisalat in the UAE. This year we are with Unite 8 and Zee, which are again the World Cup hosting channels. So, we have looked at this as a thing which the whole country can actually look at, he said.
CPI(M) to fight ED move against Pinarayi Vijayan legally, politically
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) The CPI(M) in Kerala is gearing up to fight, both legally and politically, the Enforcement Directorates move to pave the way for a corruption case against former two-time Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. State party secretary M.V.Govindan on Tuesday said the party will defend Vijayan legally and politically. The EDs latest action threatens to cast a shadow over the partys extended state committee meeting being held at Kozhikode over three days starting on Saturday to discuss organisational shortcomings and corrective measures. The ED has submitted a report to the Director General of Police under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, seeking action under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The report contains details of the evidence allegedly unearthed during the agencys investigation into the monthly payment case. The ED has also sought action against his son-in-law, P.A.Mohammed Riyas, a party MLA, and his wife, Veena T. The EDs move could have wider implications for the case. Registration of an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act would enable the agency to proceed with further action in the monthly payment case. The ED has alleged that Exalogic Solutions received Rs 2.78 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) without providing any services in return. The agency has taken the view that the transaction falls within the ambit of money laundering. The immediate question is how the state government will respond to the EDs recommendation. The police will have to take a position on the demand to register an FIR, potentially putting the government in a politically sensitive situation. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the State Police Chief would submit his views to the Home Secretary, following which the matter would come before him and be discussed with the Chief Minister before a decision is taken. The development has already triggered a political attack from Revolutionary Socialist Party MP N.K. Premachandran. He said the EDs move was based on clear evidence and that what had emerged so far was only the tip of the iceberg. This is a new experience in left-wing politics. The CPI(M) must take a stand on the issue and make its position clear. What has emerged against a senior leader is a serious corruption allegation, Premachandran said. He alleged that all of Vijayans arguments had collapsed and Vijayan was not responding to the allegations raised by the ED. The CPI(M) cannot escape responsibility. More cases will emerge, Premachandran said. For the CPI(M), the timing is particularly uncomfortable, with the extended state committee meeting examining the reasons for the partys electoral setback and discussing measures for course correction. The ED action against its top leader is now set to add a major political dimension to those deliberations.
One held for attempting to murder prison officer in Keralam
The accused, Ashish, a habitual offender, assaulted prison officer Prajith at the Chala market in Thiruvananthapuram on July 18, 2026 due to a previous enmity
ED seeks fresh FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, family in Exalogic-CMRL case
The Enforcement Directorate has asked Kerala Police to register a fresh case against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena and former Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas in the CMRL-Exalogic case. The agency has levelled fresh allegations of bribery and routing of funds, while the CPI(M) has rejected the charges and accused the ED of political targeting.
Muttil tree felling case: Kerala HC reserves verdict on accuseds plea
Court vacates interim order to enable filing of final report within 10 days; HC had earlier dismissed accuseds discharge plea in cheating case
CPI(M) Keralam State committee unanimously passes report on steps to strengthen party: Govindan
He says extended State committee meeting in Kozhikode from September 13, 2026 will discuss both the central committees review of the election results and the State committees report with a view to preparing a practical action plan for course correction
Kochi police invoke POCSO Act against two accused in morphing case
In addition to regular Telegram groups, the police find a paid premium group linked to the case
Kannur varsity Registrar removed amid shift in stand in Priya Varghese case
The decision to replace the registrar was reportedly brought before the Syndicate as a special agenda item. The post has been entrusted to Finance Officer Sunil Kumar S. He will discharge the duties of the Registrar until further arrangements are made by the university
Nothing to fear, says Riyas on ED request for anti-corruption case
The former Minister says they are confident of proving innocence in the Exalogic-CMRL pay-off case
Kerala MLA P.A. Mohammad Riyas Vows to Fight ED Allegations Legally
Kerala MLA P.A. Mohammad Riyas responds to ED allegations, asserting confidence in legal battle against corruption claims. Kerala MLA P.A. Mohammad Riyas Vows to Fight ED Allegations Legally
Keralams Kasaragod to get new harbour projects, stronger coastal protection measures
Detailed proposal for Ajanur fishing harbour to be submitted this year for funding under NABARD or PMMSY. Stronger coastal protection measures, including the use of tetrapods, to be implemented.
Keralams Kasaragod to get new harbour projects, stronger coastal protection measures
Detailed proposal for Ajanur fishing harbour to be submitted this year for funding under NABARD or PMMSY. Stronger coastal protection measures, including the use of tetrapods, to be implemented.
Explaining the genesis of the case CMRL pay-off case, CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan says ever since SFIO began pursuing it, the CPI(M) State Committee knew who the real target was and had taken a strong stand against it
Keralam women MLAs walk out of National Commission for Women workshop
Keralam delegation expresses deep dissatisfaction over language barriers, irrelevance in workshop topics, and abrupt dismissal of crucial policy questions by NCW leadership
Protesters at Kaipamangalam demands action on NH 66 safety lapses
MLA K. K. Valsaraj blames poor safety compliance, illegal parking and inadequate monitoring for a string of fatal accidents
MG University in Keralam begins work on one-year PG programmes
University Syndicate decides to initiate preparations for the new programmes, including curriculum development, following a directive from the State Higher Education Council to introduce one-year PG courses for graduates of four-year degree programmes
Technocrat Sreedharan and Keralam CM Satheesan discuss key connectivity projects
They reportedly discussed significant connectivity and development initiatives, particularly the proposed high-speed rail project linking Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur.
Man arrested from West Bengal for Attappady double murder
Provath Das has reportedly confessed to killing the woman and child. He says they were not his wife and child and he had known them for only two months
Water scarcity grips several parts of Kochi
Rising heat, power disruptions and the partial collapse of the Thammanam water tank contribute to the shortage; Panampilly Nagar, Vaduthala West, Vyttila and Gandhi Nagar among the divisions affected; KWA says a permanent solution can be achieved only after the 190 MLD plant is realised
Water scarcity grips several parts of Kochi
Rising heat, power disruptions and the partial collapse of the Thammanam water tank contribute to the shortage; Panampilly Nagar, Vaduthala West, Vyttila and Gandhi Nagar among the divisions affected; KWA says a permanent solution can be achieved only after the 190 MLD plant is realised
Sunni Yuvajana Sangham urges CPI(M) not to blame minorities for poll defeat
SYS State general secretary Rahmathulla Saqafi Elamaram urges the CPI(M) to reflect on internal discontent, pointing to governance issues and dissatisfaction among party members as key factors in their loss.
Supreme Court Urged to Lift Stay on CBI Probe into Keralas Ex-Chief Secretary K.M. Abraham
A petition has been filed to remove the stay on the CBI investigation against K.M. Abraham, former chief secretary of Kerala, for disproportionate assets. Supreme Court Urged to Lift Stay on CBI Probe into Keralas Ex-Chief Secretary K.M. Abraham
Calicut University to launch new UG, PG courses to address changing job scenarios
According to official sources, the university is planning to launch at least 50 new undergraduate courses and 30 postgraduate courses soon in view of the rapid changes happening in academic disciplines and the demands of the employment market.
Four arrested in connection with theft of earth movers in custody in Keralams Idukki
Forest officials had seized two earth movers used for felling and clearing trees from Cardamom Hill Reserve of a private estate; the accused stole the impounded vehicles
Cyberpark holds conclave on future of WordPress
Organised by WordPress Community Kerala, WP Future Conclave 2026 brought together developers, designers, entrepreneurs, students, and technology professionals from different States.
New lichen species discovered in Keralams Mathikettan Shola National Park
The saxicolous lichen, Buellia maharajensis, thrives on rock surfaces at an elevation of 1,351 m.
Driving mental health awareness across India
Seher Hashmi is traversing thousands of kilometres across India on her Royal Enfield motorcycle to shatter the silence surrounding mental illness
A day out in Vande Bharat, Kochi Water Metro for residents of this old age home in Keralam
Organised jointly by the Kollam District Womens Council and Ys Men International, the trip took the elderly women to Kochi as District Collector Annie Jula Thomas flagged off the journey
Inspections in cinemas to continue at routine intervals: Minister
A lot of complaints related to overpricing are being received and the government cannot but intervene, says Anoop Jacob
Slurry from quarry pollutes Cherupuzha in Kozhikode
Slurry tank at a granite quarry reportedly burst, discharging waste into the Cherupuzha. Drinking water sources and bathing spots along the riverbank have reportedly become unfit for use.
Asutosh Biswas assumes charge as Head of Project at NTPC Kayamkulam
He has over three decades of experience in the power sector, and was previously Chief General Manager (Operation and Maintenance) at NTPC Unchahar in Uttar Pradesh
Nothing to fear, probe will prove no wrongdoing: Vijayan's son-in-law Riyas
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) CPI-M MLA and former Kerala minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas on Tuesday put up a defiant front after the Enforcement Directorate sought a police case against him, his wife T. Veena, and his father-in-law and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan in the CMRL monthly payment case. There is nothing wrong. Let any probe take place. We will deal with it legally, Riyas said in his first reaction to the ED move. Riyas said he had nothing to fear as no wrongdoing had taken place. He expressed confidence that the investigation would not establish anything against him. I am fully confident that nothing is going to happen in the probe. The country has seen on many occasions how ED cases have gone about, he said. He also appeared confident about the eventual outcome of the investigation. I am absolutely self-confident about the findings as no wrong has been done at all, he said. The strong reaction came hours after the ED asked the Kerala Police to register an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Vijayan, Veena, and Riyas in connection with alleged payments linked to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL). The agency forwarded its findings to state police chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The DGP has confirmed receiving the report. The ED has alleged that payments made by CMRL to Veenas company, Exalogic Solutions, were not genuine payments for services and has alleged a wider financial trail involving Vijayan and Riyas. These are allegations at the investigation stage and have not been established by a court. The latest development assumes added significance in the wake of ED searches at the homes of two close aides of Riyas. The EDs action marks a major escalation in the CMRL case, which had initially centred on alleged payments to Exalogic. The police will now examine the ED report and decide on further action, including registration of an FIR. Riyas, however, made it clear that he was ready to face the investigation and challenge the allegations through legal means.
The major news headlines of the day and more.
'Metro Man' Sreedharan meets CM Satheesan, discusses key development projects
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) 'Metro Man' E. Sreedharan met Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan on Tuesday for discussions on major connectivity and development projects in the state. The meeting was held at the Chief Ministers office, and the discussions focused on improving connectivity. They also covered long-term development projects. Satheesan later described the discussions as fruitful. Met with Dr E. Sreedharan today. Held fruitful discussions on advancing key connectivity and state development projects to ensure sustainable, long-term growth, the Chief Minister said on his social media accounts. The meeting assumes significance given Sreedharans experience in executing major infrastructure projects in the country. Sreedharan is widely known for his role in the construction of the Delhi Metro, and was also closely associated with the development of the Konkan Railway. His expertise has also been sought for major transport projects in Kerala. Sreedharan had earlier held discussions with Satheesan on his proposal for a high-speed rail corridor in Kerala. He had submitted an interim report on the proposal to the Chief Minister. The UDF government later appointed an expert panel to examine the proposal and look into its technical and financial feasibility. Environmental and other aspects were also to be examined. The government has not taken a final decision on the project. Tuesdays meeting, however, was not described as being limited to the high-speed rail proposal. The Chief Minister referred to key connectivity and state development projects, suggesting that the discussions covered a broader development agenda. Sreedharans meeting with Satheesan comes at a time when the government is looking at ways to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the state. The government has been stressing the need for projects that are financially viable and sustainable. Sreedharans inputs could be significant in this context. The meeting also indicates that the government continues to engage with the veteran infrastructure expert on Keralas development priorities. No details of specific projects discussed at the meeting were officially disclosed. The meeting is expected to keep Sreedharans infrastructure proposals and his views on Keralas development agenda in focus.
YouTuber moves Kerala HC seeking case against Sunny Kapikad for derogatory remarks about Ayyappa
Rahul Easwar also seeks directions to remove videos, which allegedly contains the derogatory remarks, from social media
One crore youngsters in race for Viksit Bharat dialogue
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) Nearly one crore youngsters are expected to take part in a nationwide talent hunt that will select young representatives for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2027, with Kerala's participants being challenged to come up with ideas on the blue economy, human capital and global competitiveness. Registration for the programme has begun through the MY Bharat platform, with youngsters aged 15 to 29 eligible to take part in the Viksit Bharat quiz. The last date for participation is September 30. The quiz set a Guinness World Record last year for attracting the highest number of participants in a quiz competition within a week. MY Bharat State Director S.R. Abhay Shankar on Tuesday announced the programme here. He said the initiative was aimed at harnessing the creativity, ideas and innovative potential of young people and bringing them into the country's development process. The selected youngsters will participate in the national-level Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in New Delhi from January 10 to 12, 2027. The programme is being organised in connection with National Youth Day, which is observed on January 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Kerala has been assigned Blue Economy, Human Capital & Global Competitiveness as the theme for the Viksit Bharat Challenge. Around 45 participants will be selected from the State, with the top three getting an opportunity to make presentations at the national level. The Viksit Bharat Challenge will be held in three stages: quiz, essay and PowerPoint presentation. The national initiative will have six tracks, covering the Viksit Bharat Challenge, culture, design, technology, entrepreneurship and youth parliament. The winners will also get an opportunity to interact with the Prime Minister. The Cultural Track will provide 24 youngsters from Kerala an opportunity to represent the State at the national level. They will be selected from the winners of Kerala Utsavam competitions organised by the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board. The Design for Bharat competition will invite young people to develop solutions to local development challenges. NIT Calicut is the nodal agency for Kerala. The Hack for Social Cause competition, with IIT Bombay as knowledge partner, will focus on digital solutions to social problems, with IIT Palakkad as the State nodal agency. A new Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, with IIT Kanpur as knowledge partner, will provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to present startup ideas and business plans. The age limit for this track is 35 years. The Youth Parliament finalists will get an opportunity to participate in the national-level programme at Samvidhan Sadan, the old Parliament building, in New Delhi. Kerala will have three representatives. Kerala State Youth Welfare Board Member Secretary M. Swapna was also present. The organisers said the initiative would give young people an opportunity not merely to participate in competitions but also to put forward ideas and solutions relating to India's development. Interested youngsters can register by participating in the Viksit Bharat quiz through the MY Bharat portal.
Thrikkodithanam bypoll campaigning in Keralam picks up momentum as all three fronts name candidates
Election to Kottayams district panchayat division necessitated following the election of sitting member to the Assembly. Byelection is also held in the first ward (Cheeramkulam) of the Meenadom grama panchayat and the 10th ward (Kumpanthanam) of the Pampady grama panchayat
Five squads to be deployed in Keralams Ernakulam to ensure safe travel on NHs
They will take steps to clear encroachments and illegal parking in a time-bound manner. The measures come in the wake of an accident that killed eight students from Tamil Nadu after the multi-utility vehicle they were travelling in rammed a parked lorry in Thrissur
First woman student performs mizhavu arangettam at Kerala Kalamandalam
Theatre practitioner Apurva Arthur bridges contemporary performance and a classical ritual tradition with the percussion instrument
Vaccinating dogs, not people, holds key to ending rabies deaths in Kerala, India
A new study has found that expanding dog vaccination, rather than introducing routine pre-exposure vaccination for children, is the most effective and cost-effective way to eliminate rabies deaths in people in Kerala, India.
Fireworks show in Kerala goes awry, kills 107
Sparks fall on storehouse, igniting crackers stocked there; officials had denied permission for competitive fireworks display; several buildings in vicinity of temple were damaged; Narendra Modi rushes to Kollam with team of medical experts.
ED sends 25-page report to State Police Chief (SPC) Ravada A. Chandrasekhar under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, enclosing findings and supporting evidence from its investigation. The SPCs scrutiny of the ED report will determine whether the material warrants registration of a First Information Report, referral to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, or any other legally permissible action
INL accuses Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan of pushing PM SHRI scheme through backdoor
INL State president Ahammad Devarkovil and general secretary Kasim Irikkur accuse V.D. Satheesan of trying to facilitate implementation of PM-SHRI in Keralam in a manner favourable to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the BJP
Kerala HC stays trial in 2016 Puttingal fireworks accident case
Court seeks States explanation on change of public prosecutor in proceedings before trial court. The incident in Kollam district had killed 109 people and injured 280 others
Man absconding for 29 years in attempt-to-murder case arrested in Keralams Kannur
Fazal was wanted in connection with an attempt-to-murder case registered over the attack on Azhikode native Sunil Kumar with a deadly weapon on January 3, 1997
Kerala CM Praises Students Invitation to Traditional Onam Feast
Keralas CM VD Satheesan commends a fourth graders heartfelt invitation to a traditional Onam feast featuring 101 dishes. Kerala CM Praises Students Invitation to Traditional Onam Feast
Kerala Chief Minister Praises Students Invitation to Traditional Onam Feast
Kerala CM VD Satheesan commends a students heartfelt invitation to a 101-dish Onam feast at her school in Idukki. Kerala Chief Minister Praises Students Invitation to Traditional Onam Feast
Internal Vigilance and audit wings of CDB have been tasked with investigating the allegations and submitting reports
Another crash into parked lorry on NH 544 raises highway safety concerns in Keralam
Container truck rams goods vehicle at Nandikkara on NH 544, days after eight students from T.N. were killed in a similar crash at Kaipamangalam on NH 66
Probe Agency ED To Investigate Bribery Allegations Against Pinarayi Vijayan, Daughter
Enforcement Directorate alleges Rs 3.28 crore bribe to Kerala leader Pinarayi Vijayan via daughter Veena T while he was Chief Minister.
Don Palatharas Ekadesham to premiere at Filmfest Aachen 2026 in Germany
Set to be screened at the festival on September 25, Ekadesham stars Roshan Mathew, Divya Prabha, Jithin Puthenchery, Vinay Forrt, Santhy Balachandran and Mahesh Narayanan
Rare Neelakurinji bloom is back in Kerala after 12 years; here's where you can see it
Kerala University PG Result 2026 Out - Direct Link to Check Result Online @ keralauniversity.ac.in
Kerala University released results for M.Sc Electronics Sem 1 (Jan 2026), M.A Philosophy Sem 4 (Apr 2026), and MBA Sem 2 (Sept 2025 - Full Time, Travel & Tourism, Disaster Management) on 07/09/2026. Download official PDFs here.
ED Seeks FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi, Veena and Riyas in CMRL Case
It is alleged by the ED that Kerala mining firm Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) made fraudulent payments worth Rs 2.78 crore to Veena's now-defunct company Exalogic Solutions under the guise of 'IT consultancy services'
Enforcement Directorate has sent a communication under Section 66 (2) of Prevention of Money Laundering Act citing findings of its investigation in the CMRL pay-off case, say sources
Kerala Chief Minister Meets Renowned Engineer E. Sreedharan to Discuss State Development
Keralas CM V.D. Satheesan met with E. Sreedharan to discuss key development projects aimed at sustainable growth in the state. Kerala Chief Minister Meets Renowned Engineer E. Sreedharan to Discuss State Development
CPI-M gets wary of leaks ahead of Kerala unit's crucial Kozhikode meet
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 8 (IANS) The CPI-M, increasingly wary of confidential discussions finding their way outside the party, appears to have taken an unusual step to plug information leaks ahead of its crucial three-day extended Kerala state Committee meeting beginning in Kozhikode on Saturday. According to party sources, members of the Thiruvananthapuram district leadership have been asked to sign consent forms authorising the disclosure of their telephone call details to the party, in what is understood to be an effort to identify the source of any leakage of confidential discussions. The move, if confirmed, would mark an extraordinary extension of the party's traditional emphasis on secrecy surrounding its internal deliberations. The forms were reportedly circulated among district secretariat members recently. The format is understood to contain an authorisation by the individual to the telephone service provider to furnish call details. The leadership has also warned that strict action would follow if confidential party discussions were leaked. The reported move comes at a particularly sensitive time for the CPI-M. The party had gone into the 2026 Assembly election expecting Pinarayi Vijayan to secure a historic third consecutive term, but suffered a severe electoral setback instead. The defeat has since triggered considerable restlessness within the organisation, with questions being raised over the party's political strategy, organisational functioning, and leadership. The extended state committee meeting in Kozhikode, spread over three days from Saturday, assumes significance against this backdrop. With a large section of the party leadership expected to participate, the discussions are likely to include a detailed assessment of the electoral defeat. Leaks from party meetings have become a growing concern with the proliferation of mobile phones and other electronic devices. Meetings that were once conducted with considerable secrecy have increasingly become vulnerable to information being transmitted outside almost instantly. The CPI-M itself has, in the past, used technological evidence, including phone records, while acting against leaders and workers for alleged violations of party discipline. The latest reported move suggests that technology may now be turning inward, as the party seeks to guard the confidentiality of its own deliberations. However, the move has reportedly caused unease among a section of leaders, who feel that seeking such consent amounts to an extraordinary measure. They are understood to be considering bringing the issue to the attention of senior state and central leaders.
Kerala man's account frozen over mysterious UPI paymentWhat to do, rules, customer rights explained
A man from Kerala reported receiving two unknown UPI payments but chose not to return them, suspecting a scam. His bank account was subsequently frozen. Here are the rules and customer rights in such cases.
The direction was issued after the ongoing inspections based on complaints of overpricing of food and beverages in multiplexes found the non-availability of free drinking water to theatre-goers
KAU Field Assistant Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Field Assistant post. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in interview on 10 September 2026 at the designated venue. The detailed notification is available on the official website, kau.in.
Kerala Faces Power Crisis Amidst Severe Heatwave
Kerala is grappling with a power crisis due to a heatwave, prompting potential electricity rationing as temperatures soar. Kerala Faces Power Crisis Amidst Severe Heatwave
Unisex Salon Brand PURE 8 Expands into Kerala
Industries minister Kunhalikutty said the brand's business model could create new entrepreneurship opportunities in the state
Keralam Information Commissioner Warns Officials Over Missing RTI Files
If a file is missing, legal action should be initiated and each file should have a designated custodian, he said.
CPI(M) in Keralam steps up attack on G. Sudhakaran, seeks details of election funds
CPI(M) Alappuzha district secretariat member H. Salam launches sharp attack on Ambalappuzha MLA G. Sudhakaran, accusing him of financial irregularities and challenging him to come clean on his assets
Burial chamber found in Nittadukkam in Kasaragod district. Historian says the monument has survived largely because of local beliefs surrounding it and could be one of the oldest surviving indicators of Kanhangads human past
Keralam Swelters as Mercury Crosses 36C Amid Weak Monsoon
According to the latest IMD data, Punalur in Kollam district recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, a striking 4.3 degrees above normal for the station
Heatwave pushes Kerala into power crisis, restrictions likely
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) Kerala is facing a double blow of scorching heat and an escalating power crisis, with temperatures expected to remain 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal for another day and electricity restrictions likely to continue in several areas. The state recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the India Meteorological Department has warned that the hot conditions will persist on Tuesday. Relief is likely from Wednesday, with some parts of the state expected to receive rain. The surge in temperatures has triggered a sharp rise in electricity consumption, with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) estimating that demand has jumped by as much as 800 MW. With adequate power unavailable from outside the state during peak hours, the KSEB imposed restrictions of up to an hour in several areas on Monday. The situation could worsen if the demand pattern remains unchanged on Tuesday. The KSEB said the absence of short-term power contracts and high prices in the real-time electricity market were making additional procurement difficult. Although the board had floated tenders to procure power for September, no company came forward to supply electricity during peak hours, leaving the board with limited options to meet the sudden spike in demand. Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Authority has issued a series of precautionary measures as the intense heat raises the risk of sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. The authorities have advised people to avoid direct exposure to the sun, particularly during the hottest hours, drink plenty of water, and remain vigilant against symptoms associated with excessive heat. The heat warning is in force from September 7 to 9, with the Meteorological Department cautioning that temperatures could remain significantly above normal across the state. With electricity consumption rising sharply as households and establishments depend increasingly on cooling appliances, the weather conditions are now adding further pressure to an already strained power supply system.
Keralam swelters as mercury crosses 36 degrees Celsius in Sept amid weak monsoon
Kerala is experiencing unusually early September heat as temperatures rise significantly. Punalur recorded a high of 36.2 degrees Celsius, far above normal levels. This heatwave occurs while the southwest monsoon remains notably weak across the state. Other districts like Kottayam and Palakkad also registered high temperatures. The combination creates a feeling of continued summer heat in many areas.
Karnataka cuts Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu by 57 pc amid rainfall dip
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 8 (IANS) The quantity of Cauvery water being released to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka's Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini reservoirs has been reduced sharply to 5,200 cubic feet per second following a decline in rainfall and inflows across the upper catchment areas. The combined discharge had stood at 11,983 cusecs the previous day. It has now fallen by 6,783 cusecs, representing a reduction of nearly 57 per cent within a day. The decline is significant for Tamil Nadu, which closely monitors releases from Karnataka's Cauvery basin reservoirs. The water flowing downstream contributes to the storage at the Mettur Dam and supports irrigation in the Cauvery delta, where farmers rely on timely supplies for standing crops and seasonal cultivation. Of the total quantity released towards Tamil Nadu, 4,800 cusecs were being discharged from the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir, commonly known as KRS. The remaining 1,200 cusecs were being released from the Kabini reservoir. KRS is situated at Srirangapatna in Karnataka's Mandya district. Its catchment area includes Kodagu district and parts of Wayanad in Kerala. Rain has completely stopped in Kodagu, leading to a steady reduction in the volume of water entering the reservoir. By Monday morning, the water level at KRS stood at 106.84 feet against its full reservoir level of 124.80 feet. The inflow was recorded at 2,511 cusecs, while outflow remained higher at 4,800 cusecs. As discharge exceeded the inflow, the reservoir's stored water continued to decline. A similar situation was reported at the Kabini reservoir in Mysuru district. Its water level was recorded at 2,268.50 feet above sea level, compared with the full reservoir level of 2,284 feet. The inflow into Kabini stood at 2,514 cusecs, while 1,200 cusecs were being discharged downstream. The releases from Kabini and KRS together accounted for the 5,200 cusecs flowing towards Tamil Nadu. Reservoir discharges are normally regulated after considering rainfall, inflows, available storage and downstream requirements. With rainfall weakening across the upper Cauvery catchments, the authorities are expected to closely monitor reservoir levels before making further changes. The reduction has renewed attention on water availability for Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta. Any fresh spell of rain in Kodagu and Wayanad could improve inflows into KRS, Kabini and other reservoirs in the basin.
Watch: Kerala's new government bus will give your road travel a flight-like feel
Watch Keralas new government bus will give your road travel a flightlike feel
Media delegation from Kerala begins 7-day Press Tour to J&K
Srinagar, Sep 7: A 13-member media delegation from Kerala has embarked on a seven-day press tour to Jammu and Kashmir from September 6 to 12. The tour is being organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kochi, with the objective of providing journalists from Kerala an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the developmental initiatives, infrastructure projects and achievements in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On the first day of the tour, the delegation visited the Press Information Bureau office in Srinagar. Qazi Salman, Director, PIB Srinagar, welcomed the members of the delegation and provided an overview of the media and communication landscape in Kashmir. He also interacted with the visiting journalists and shared insights into the functioning of PIB in the region. Later in the day, the delegation visited Gulmarg, the picturesque hill station located in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, and experienced the region's rich natural landscape and scenic beauty. During the week-long tour, the media delegation will visit various developmental projects and important locations across the Union Territory. The press tour aims to familiarise the participating journalists with the developmental transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir and provide them an opportunity to interact with the stakeholders. The press tour is part of PIB's efforts to facilitate wider awareness and informed reporting on significant developmental initiatives being undertaken across different regions of the country.
Residents of wards 7 and 8 in Chittoor area of the panchayat have not received drinking water from the Kerala Water Authority for two weeks, according to the SHRC
Private bus employee arrested and remanded as police draw flak for initial bail in Keralams Kochi
Muhammed Ansar, 24, a native of Kannur, was arrested after invoking Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for assaults or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty
Denial of constitutionally guaranteed privileges to members of SC/ST communities must only be in exceptional cases of apparent fraud that is established through material independently available to the State
Two bike riders killed, one injured in separate accidents in Keralams Kochi
Guarding the Green: Why Forestry Needs Technocrats, Not Generalists
The recently notified recruitment rules issued by the Forest Department vide NO: PCCF/NG/Est/150768/3486-96 Dt: 3-9-2026 for the post of Foresters reveal an institutional blind spot. By opening the cadre to unspecific academic streams spanning to Agriculture, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Applications, Engineering, Geology, Horticulture, Mathematics, Physics, Veterinary Sciences, and Zoologywhile simultaneously compressing Direct Recruitment to a meagre 40% against a 60% promotional quota, the government has diluted the operational standards of its forest administration. Further, while failing to mandate or accord primary preference to professional graduates in Forestry (B.Sc./M.Sc. Forestry), the government has reduced scientific conservation to mere patrol work which in an era dominated by rapid climate breakdown, complex forest tenure laws, carbon accounting, and severe wildlife-human conflict, will represent an institutional and scientific regression resulting in an ecological gamble .. which UT of J & K cannot afford. The framework of including some of the above-mentioned 3-year non-professional degree holders . being unable to even identify an endangered species or calculate the sustained yield viz a viz prioritising physical stamina (25/16 km in 4 hours for male and female aspirants) discredits a specific intellectual competence and cannot substitute technical knowledge required for such recruitments. Historically, when the Imperial Forest Department was established in 1864 under Sir Dietrich Brandis, the British Crown recognised that extraction required scientific regulation to prevent the premature exhaustion of valuable timber reserves. However, the administrative culture designed for the subordinate cadres (particularly Foresters and Forest Guards) was deliberately modelled on paramilitary policing. Their primary objective was exclusion: keeping local communities out of Reserved Forests, policing timber theft, and collecting transit revenue. The recruitment always favoured physical endurance, obedience and basic literacy over technical domain knowledge. Viewed as an auxiliary policing outfit tasked with perimeter security and timber extraction, the State Forest Departments across the country have undergone a total paradigm shift. Today, it stands as a frontline defence against ecological collapse, anthropogenic climate change and catastrophic biodiversity loss. The Forester occupies the vital operational tier within the departmental hierarchythe linchpin between the ground-level Forest Guard (Beat Guard) and the gazetted Range Forest Officer (RFO). Entrusting this technical post to candidates without any educational grounding in sciences like dendrology, silviculture, forest mensuration/management and environmental jurisprudence compromises the integrity of forests as an ecological asset. Following independence, the National Forest Policy of 1952 emphasised industrial production, with subordinate staff being trained in basic paramilitary drill, boundary upkeep, and basic timber calculations. However, the enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 and the landmark National Forest Policy of 1988 completely inverted this operational mandate, with the latter formally subordinating revenue generation to environmental stability, ecological balance, and biodiversity preservation. Furthermore, the enactment of the Biological Diversity Act (2002) and the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (2006) placed complex statutory and participatory responsibilities upon field officers. Despite such seismic transformation in the department's core purpose, the recruitment framework for subordinate field staff has remained frozen in a colonial time warp, prioritising generic qualifications while ignoring the emergence of dedicated, university-trained forestry professionals. The prevailing administrative misconception that subordinate foresters learn everything through a brief post-selection departmental training course collapses when one evaluates the actual technical, scientific, and legal responsibilities demanded from a Forester on a daily basis. The core contention lies in the fact that forestry is a rigorous, multidisciplinary scientific profession and just as medical directorates cannot recruit general graduates to practice medicine, and public works departments do not hire a non-engineer to design bridges, the forest department cannot surrender scientific conservation to administrative generalists. Further, forestry is not an offshoot of general biology but a specialised technocracy and as such, equating a candidate who has spent four years for studying silviculture, forest mensuration, forest biometrics, dendrology, forest policy and wildlife with a candidate who has obtained other degrees (some 3 year programs) betrays a basic misunderstanding of what foresters do in the field. Here we have to understand that at a time when forest ecosystems face unprecedented ecological strainranging from catastrophic wildfire cycles and invasive monocultures to carbon sink verification under international climate compactsthe custodian of the forest beat/range can no longer be an ad-hoc generalis but a forestry technocrat trained in ecological restoration, assisted regeneration, canopy density optimization, measuring terrestrial biomass for carbon credits, diagnostic pathology of forest die-back, and host-pest vectors viz a viz enforcing the Forest Rights Act (FRA 2006), Wildlife Protection Act, Indian Forest Act, CAMPA compliance, fuel load index calculations, back-firing tactics and stress modelling. The critical review of deconstructed new set of rules exhibit two fundamental structural defects and flawed premises: first, that the forest management is presumed as an unskilled custodial chore which will bring an alarming administrative regression and second, that equalizing an exclusive specialized academic threshold of four years dedicated professional degree of B.Sc. Forestry, equivalent to some basic/generic university degrees in mathematics, computer applications, physics and other classroom sciences or desk disciplines, demonstrates that the people who have framed these regulations unfortunately lack a profound technical understanding of modern contemporary science followed in the management of forests. The competencies now required insist that forestry alone should remain a basic qualification to justify it as a genuine profession. But unfortunately, the regulations notified depict a general imagination, often influenced by colonial-era administrative tropes that treat the forester as an armed scout . whose duties begin and end with chasing poachers and illicit timber smugglers. Further, the new regulations notified also seem to betray Public Investment in formal Forestry Education being instituted in almost 29 SAUs and 86 affiliated colleges/ specialized research institutes following a landmark recommendations of the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA, 1976). The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) have recognised the four-year B.Sc. Forestry program as a specialised degree, with the public exchequer at the national level spending millions every year to subsidise these professional courses. Despite this, when vacancies arise in State Forest Services, the forestry graduates who spent four years in training are shoved into open competition, while other disciplines which are entirely disconnected from forest habitats have preserved strict recruitment boundaries. For instance, only B.V.Sc. graduates can enter State Veterinary cadres. Likewise, for engineering posts, only B.E./B.Tech. degree holders are eligible, and for Agriculture/ Horticulture/Extension cadres, only B.Sc. Agriculture / Horticulture graduates are preferred. Contrary to this, forestry remains the lone outlierroutinely degraded into an open-for-all category by the bureaucracy in Forest administration. The regulations issued also denounce National Policy Commitments, Working Group Studies of the various Commissions and Expert Committees established by the Union Government over the past four decades, which recommended that: Academic qualifications in forestry should be considered essential or given appropriate weightage for entry into forest services (The National Forest Policy,1988, Clause 4.12). Similarly, the National Forest Commission (2006), chaired by Justice B.N. Kirpal, explicitly noted that professional forestry education was being squandered because recruitment rules failed to mandate specialised qualifications. The commission formally recommended that State Forest Departments must prioritise candidates with professional degrees in forestry (B.Sc. / M.Sc. Forestry) for the posts of Forest Range Officers and Foresters. Further, under the Paris Agreement and our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), India has pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through expanded forest and tree cover by 2030. The Foresters or the Range Officers cannot track these targets through casual guesswork but require a precise, ground-truthed carbon inventory calculations. Thus, expecting an untrained recruit or an administrative promotee to navigate national carbon registries without foundational training will guarantee a systemic data error. Further, while legitimate career progression for frontline Forest Guards and field watchers is essential for departmental morale, tilting the recruitment balance to a ratio of 40%: 60% for direct recruitment and promotion severely curbs the infusion of modern technical skills. The lower-cadre promotions often occur late in service tenures. Thus, without a stringent technical screening mechanism or prior academic immersion in contemporary forestry disciplines, the promoted personnel are routinely left ill-equipped to execute modern geo-spatial mapping, carbon inventory assessments, or complex legal evaluations under the Forest (Conservation) Act and the Wildlife (Protection) Act. A 60% promotional intake will, as such, mess the department up with unprofessional personnel trained solely under legacy administrative routines while sidelining contemporary scientific practices. National and International scenario As far as comparative precedents go across the country, the argument for technocratic specialisation is neither unprecedented or untested nor speculative. Several forward-thinking States within the country have formally amended their subordinate and gazetted recruitment rules to prioritise or exclusively mandate professional forestry qualifications. For instance, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have incorporated distinct eligibility weightages and direct recruitment paths prioritising Forestry degree holders in frontline Range and Forester selections. The State of Kerala has long stood at the forefront of administrative professionalisation in forestry. State service commissions in Kerala have repeatedly amended cadre rules for Forest Range Officers and Foresters to reserve substantial quotas or direct preference points for professional forestry graduates, recognising that specialised training significantly cuts induction costs while enhancing other outcomes. Similarly, in Karnataka, the Public Service Commission (KPSC) has framed rules for the recruitment of Forest Range Officers and subordinate ranks that reserve up to 50% or more of direct recruitment slots exclusively for B.Sc. (Forestry) graduates. This framework has repeatedly withstood administrative and judicial scrutiny, establishing a precedent that specialised qualifications directly correlate with departmental efficiency. Ironically, the courts have routinely intervened or scrutinised arbitrary recruitment criteria under Articles 14 and 16, while urging Forest Departments to align hiring standards with the actual technical nature of modern public administration in the States which have resisted inclusion of changes in recruitment rules. These Judicial Interventions have repeatedly affirmed that States retain full constitutional power to prescribe specialised technical qualifications tailored to forest management. In States where such preferences were codified, the frontline field operations saw measurable modernisation: faster updating of working plans, progressed GIS integration, and improved seedling survival rates under science-based plantation regimes. Similarly, the precedents around the world also advocate Professional Technocracy and have developed jurisdictions to abandon the practice of entrusting public woodlands to non-specialists. Globally, the identity of a forester has shifted from an armed ranger to an environmental technocrat. In Germanythe cradle of modern scientific forestry (Forstwissenschaft)subordinate and senior foresters undergo rigorous technical education at specialised forestry universities. The Scandinavian model similarly treats forest management as an exact bio-economic science linked directly to recruitment in national carbon budgets and ecological resilience. Under the Canadian model, the provincial statutessuch as Ontarios Professional Foresters Act and British Columbias Forestry Professions Actenvisage that the practice of forestry should be legally restricted to accredited Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs). The provisions under this Act explicitly state that it is a criminal offence for an individual to prepare a forest management prescription, audit a cutting block, or direct reforestation without an accredited four-year forestry degree. Likewise, in the United States, SAF Accreditation, the US Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) enforce strict educational requirements w.r.t. a graduate degree encompassing a core curriculum in silviculture, forest inventory, and forest biometrics, typically certified by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Further, under such provisions, a general biologist and agriculturalist/ non licensed forestry technocrat is not permitted to manage the State Forests. The potential of forests for employment generation has stemmed from diverse situations, viz rebuilding natural assets, wood production/ processing, pulp and paper industry, climate change mitigation and management of natural and plantation forests. The total employment in the formal forestry sector at the global level is estimated at about 18.2 million (full-time formal employment), which is expected to increase to at least 25million by the year 2035. A significant share of the jobs in forestry on an annual basis, however, comes from the informal sector (33 million), the commercial forest sector (45 million) and around > 2000million man-days through the direct and secondary labour force in related industries. Further, while formal employment in commercial production of NTFPs is estimated at 100 million, the potential of the informal sector of NTFPs (extraction of around 5000 products) cannot be estimated reliably. Further, considering that the worlds protected forest areas extend over about 1.9 billion hectares (out of the total forest area of 4 billion ha), even a modest effort of silvicultural treatment to these areas can provide employment to thousands of people. The forests of India directly employ around 2.4 million persons in the formal forestry sector, 38 million in the informal sector and around 5.5-6 million as seasonal workers in various sectors. The total geographic area of Jammu and Kashmir is 42, 241 km2 of which 20,194 km2 is under demarcated/recorded forest area. The land under trees and crops (TOF) is around 67,000 ha. Unfortunately, in the extent of their livelihood potential, the ecosystem services provided by our forests have reduced from Rs 987 billion in 1850 to 118 billion in 2022-23 due to indiscriminate illicit felling and faulty management. The forests of Jammu and Kashmir thus constitute the biggest unmanaged industry and, being so, they are currently not viewed as the mainstay of the UT's economy, with a contribution of just 0.7% to GDP. As far as the manning of this natural resource is concerned, our forest department presents a reverse wedge, with more officers than the foresters who actually work at the ground level. It is a shocking fact that our forests are sustained by a sanctioned strength of 3 PCCFs (and equivalents), 7 Additional PCCFs, 16 Chief Conservators, 26 Conservators, 57 Special Grade Deputy Conservators and 81 Assistant Conservators. There are only 212 Range officers, 1154 Foresters ( around 250 vacant) and just under 3900 Deputy Foresters(around 1381 vacant), which manage 20230 sq km of Forest area. Every Range officer and Forester (generally non-technical) in our forest department, therefore, on an average, manages 19833 and 4934 ha of forest land, respectively, as against a national average of 8000 and 2000 ha and a global average of 1000 and 100 ha, respectively. The Department is thus understaffed at ground level and faces many issues in both cadrization and creation of new positions at the subordinate level. The vacancies available are also being filled sarcastically through faulty recruitment rules which do not suit modern forestry requirements. With this negligent approach, we have lost a major chunk of our forests, and the degradation is still unabated. Hence, the need of the hour is not only to create more positions to match the global standards but also to provide a technically trained field leadership if the scientific management of Forests is to be viewed seriously. The corrective blueprint for this flawed recruitment policy needs to be addressed by replacing it with a scientifically sound framework to meet regional/national goals. The government must, as such, not only withdraw/reframe these ill-advised rules but also listen to the recommendations of various commissions and take advice from SKUAST-Kashmir/Jammu to place the stewardship of our forests back in the hands of trained forestry professionals. In this regard, anything less than following decisive modifications will be a disservice to our ecological future. Proposed architecture for recruitment rules: 1: Reserve Direct Recruitment Exclusively for Forestry Graduates Amend the qualification schedule to make 4 years B.Sc. (Honours) Forestry from an ICAR/ICFRE- accredited university the exclusive minimum benchmark for direct recruitment to the position of Forester, and 4 years B Sc + 2 year M Sc Forestry from ICAR/ICFRE recognized universities for Range officers/ACFs. If allied disciplines need to be included, they should be strictly limited at the Master's level to candidates with formal postgraduate specialisations in Forest Ecology or Wildlife Management (with first preference statutorily reserved for pure forestry degree holders). 2. Invert the Cadre Quota (75% Direct: 25% Promotion) Reverse the recruitment distribution to assign 75% of vacancies to Direct Recruitment and 25% to Internal Promotion for Foresters/Range officers and ACFs. This shift will guarantee an influx of technically trained young professionals ready for decades of active field operations. At the same time, the 25% promotional route will maintain a healthy advancement pathways for Forest Guards with 1-Year bridging course at State Forest Academy/ University as a per-requisite for promotion as Foresters and 2 year diploma course ( for aspirants who do not possess essential professional degree) from State Forest Academy/ University for movement from Foresters to Range officers and Range officer to ACFs . 3. Establish a Mandatory Bridge Training Program for Promotees Every Forest Guard promoted to the rank of Forester must be required to pass a comprehensive, one-year training curriculum at an accredited State Forestry Training Institute or Agriculture university. Promotion should depend on completing coursework in elementary silviculture, field GPS navigation, forest law, and emergency wildfire responsenot simply on years of service. Conclusion The forests of J&K are the nation's principal terrestrial carbon sinks, the lifeline of perennial river basins, the repositories of priceless genetic diversity and the foundational habitats of various indigenous communities. Managing this natural resource demands a high technical competence to evade a dangerous colonial relics that any candidate with basic literacy and physical endurance can protect our complex ecosystems. Thus, by reforming the recruitment rules for various Forestry cadres by prioritising professional forestry technocrats over other irrelevant degree holders, the government can rectify not only the injustice to the trained youth, but will also save millions in training costs, besides upholding constitutional mandates for scientific management of forests. (The author is a former Dean, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K. He can be reached at drthmasoodi@gmail.com )
Kerala CPI(M) draft report faces pushback ahead of 300-member review meet
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 7 (IANS) The CPI(M) state secretariats draft report on the partys electoral debacle came under sharp criticism on Monday at the state committee, with delegates questioning whether the document is sufficiently candid about the organisational and political failures that led to the setback. The criticism, particularly from the Kannur delegation, has put the leadership under pressure to make the report more comprehensive before it is finalised. Delegates reportedly objected to the absence of any specific reference to organisational lapses and the failure to acknowledge that the candidate selection process had gone wrong. They also questioned where the findings of the CPI(M) Central Committee were reflected in the draft report. The criticism was that the report merely referred to shortcomings in general terms without identifying the specific failures that had contributed to the partys defeat. Delegates questioned how corrective measures could be worked out when the document itself did not clearly spell out where the party had gone wrong. The draft was also criticised for being prepared more in the manner of a routine organisational activity report rather than as a detailed political assessment of the partys electoral setback. The delegates argued that the party needed a frank assessment of its failures if it was to undertake effective course correction. Around 20 delegates took part in the discussion on Monday. The debate assumes added significance as the exercise will now move into a much wider forum. The extended state committee meeting, expected to bring together around 300 party leaders, will discuss the report and the reasons for the electoral setback. The objections raised in the state committee today could therefore provide an indication of the fault lines that may emerge when the report is placed before the larger gathering. The CPI(M) leadership is facing the task of arriving at an assessment that is sufficiently candid to satisfy the party rank and file while also providing a basis for corrective action. The Kannur intervention is significant in this context, as it has challenged the draft at the level of its basic assessment rather than merely seeking minor changes. The state committee discussion will continue on Tuesday, when further interventions are expected before the report moves towards the extended committee. The final document is likely to reflect the outcome of these discussions and the pressure for a more specific accounting of the partys organisational and political failures.
Red Bull Vallam Vali Turns Keralam's Iconic Boat Racing Tradition Into A 'Tug Of Oars' Spectacle
From Vallam kali to 'Tug of Oars': Red Bull Vallam Vali puts a fresh spin on Keralam's boat racing tradition
SHRC calls for enquiry into patients death following fall from hospital bed
Sailing expedition in Alappuzha
Two seriously injured in road accident in Varkala
National conference on second generation GST reforms begins
Three booked for allegedly assaulting, kidnapping woman in Kasaragod
Keralam CM Satheesan meets Rahul Gandhi, triggering speculation on new KPCC president
Incumbent president Sunny Joseph has repeatedly expressed his desire to opt out of the key organisational responsibility given his responsibilities as Electricity Minister. He also stressed the need for a KPCC president focussed on the party apparatus, including issues such as discipline and organisation building
Dry spell, cloud-free sky push temperature above normal at many places in Keralam
The IMD has issued a heat alert warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam until September 9
Dry spell, cloud-free sky push temperature above normal at many places in Keralam
The IMD has issued a heat alert warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam until September 9
Kozhikode MP writes to parliamentary panel on bifurcation of Palakkad division
Detachment of the Mangaluru area from the Palakkad division and its merger with the Hubballi division will lead to shifting of key interchange boundaries, stripping Palakkad of its most critical operational assets, says Raghavan
Keralam to focus on continuity of care in NCD management
Hridayaragam initiative will begin as a pilot in Vattiyurkavu in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, and Nilambur to address the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which currently affect one in four and one in three adults, respectively.
