Pinarayi puts UDF under lens

THIRUVANATHAPURAM: The Pinarayi Vijayan government’s first decision after being sworn in on Wednesday was to review all controversial decisions taken by the previous UDF government since January 1 this year. The intention, to send a clear signal that the new regime in Kerala is serious about fighting corruption, nepotism and mis-governance, one of LDF’s major campaign planks.
Pinarayi Vijayan and his 18 ministers were sworn in by Governor P Sathasivam at a function attended by thousands of Left supporters.A slew of VIPs, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, former party general secretary Prakash Karat, former chief ministers VS Achuthanandan and Oommen Chandy and actors Mammootty and Dileep witnessed the swearing-in.
The swearing-in was followed by formal tea at the governor’s residence. Soon after that, the cabinet met. “The cabinet has constituted a subcommittee headed by AK Balan to review all problematic orders issued by the previous government after January 1 this year. The sub-committee has been asked to submit a report without delay,” said Vijayan.
The cabinet discussed the recent rape and murder of a dalit woman in Perumbavoor and felt that the current investigation was unsatisfactory. “From evidence collection to burial of the body, there was severe negligence. Hence, a new team has been constituted under ADGP B Sandhya to probe the case,” the chief minister said.
The cabinet asked all department heads to report vacancies within the next 10 days to the chief secretary. The government will hold discussions with the Public Service Commission to fill up vacancies. The government also sanctioned Rs 75 crore to Supplyco to bring down prices of essential commodities.
All welfare pensions will be increased by Rs 1,000 and the chief secretary has been asked to submit a report to ensure that these pensions reach beneficiaries at their doorstep. The government has requested the governor to convene the assembly by the first week of June so that a new speaker can be elected by June 3.