Won't allow fiats on food: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Kozhikode: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that no encroachment of communal forces on any one’s rights over food or dress would be allowed in the state. “Nobody needs to be concerned over this,” he said at the valedictory of the first anniversary celebrations of the LDF government here. “Each person can have his or her choice of food and dress. The government will not permit any force to infringe upon these fundamental rights.” He said a ‘corruption-free level’ had come into existence in the top layer of bureaucracy and it should be replicated at lower levels also. "The government cannot tolerate corruption in any form," he said expressing hope that e-governance would help eliminate it.

Mr Vijayan said most of the promises in the LDF election manifesto had been kept in a year, and of that, a "notable surge" has been made in few areas. “Still tribals and other backward sections are lagging behind. That should be changed. The government is committed to better their conditions,” he stated. The chief minister released the progress report by handing over it to film director Ranjith. It says the government has provided employment to 2,13,745 excluding jobs generated in tourism, electronics, IT and allied services.

In 2016, 6.23 percent more foreign tourists had visited Kerala compared to the previous year amid the setback created by the liquor policy and demonetisation. GAIL's LNG pipeline laying project has been kick-started in all districts except Malappuram, acquiring 503 km length of land for the purpose. Revenue minister E. Chandrasekharan presided over the function, where ministers T.P. Ramakrishnan, Mathew T. Thomas and Kadakampally Surendran, besides MLAs and others spoke.