Published Jun 24, 2025 | 8:50 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 24, 2025 | 8:50 PM
Thrissur becomes first district to convert forest villages into revenue villages
Synopsis: In a landmark move in healthcare, Kerala is set to launch a Universal Palliative Care Scheme aimed at ensuring proper care for all bedridden patients across the state.The Kerala government has also approved new provisions to blacklist contractors who habitually delay works or violate execution norms without valid reasons
In a major move to bolster campus security and student welfare, the State Police Chief has issued a directive for the formation of College Safety Committees across higher educational institutions in the state.
The initiative aims to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse, violence, cyber threats, and other anti-social activities among students, while fostering a safer and healthier campus environment.
Each committee will be chaired by the college Principal and convened by the local Station House Officer (SHO), with student representatives, PTA members, ward councillors, and civic leaders as members.
The Directorate of Social Policing will oversee the coordination and supervision of these committees.
To ensure streamlined functioning, a state-level monitoring committee headed by the State Police Chief and comprising heads of Excise, Higher Education, and Women and Child Development Departments will be constituted.
District-level committees under respective District Police Chiefs will hold regular reviews, supported by a district-wide WhatsApp group for effective coordination.
The committees will conduct awareness camps on substance abuse, cyber safety, and mental health, besides organizing road safety, disaster management, and women’s self-defense sessions.
Students will be encouraged to report grievances without fear, ensuring a secure and inclusive campus atmosphere.
In a landmark move in healthcare, Kerala is set to launch a Universal Palliative Care Scheme aimed at ensuring proper care for all bedridden patients across the state.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the initiative and the functioning of the ‘Kerala Care’ palliative grid on June 28 at 4 pm at the Rajagiri School Auditorium, Kalamassery, Ernakulam.
Health Minister Veena George described the initiative as one of the most significant interventions under the Navakerala Karmapadathi II Aardram Mission, with a clear focus on extending scientific, compassionate care to patients in need. A comprehensive palliative care action plan has led to the formation of a statewide grid to streamline services.
Developed in collaboration with Kerala Digital University, the palliative grid integrates 1043 institutions and 7765 trained volunteers, with more being encouraged to join via the Sannadhasena volunteer portal.
Volunteers offering just an hour a week can make a difference, receiving training and being part of a coordinated effort to provide relief and support.
This ambitious model marks Kerala’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven healthcare — setting a benchmark in compassionate governance, says the health department.
Thrissur has made history by becoming the first district in Kerala to convert Scheduled Tribe settlements granted individual forest rights into official revenue villages.
In a landmark move, District Collector Arjun Pandian handed over the notification to Anil, headman of Kakkinikad Unnati in Thekkumkara panchayat, marking the beginning of a long-awaited transformation.
The initiative, approved by the Forest Rights and Sub-Divisional Committees, will allow these settlements to prepare separate BTR records and pay land tax.
In the first phase, six forest villages across Thrissur, Chalakudy, and Thalappilly taluks will be upgraded, with the remaining 36 to follow soon.
Revenue Minister K. Rajan had earlier announced this progressive step during a rights distribution event in Olakara Unnati. The district administration also confirmed the near completion of rehabilitation in other tribal hamlets, aiming to secure complete individual forest rights across Thrissur — a model for the state.
In a decisive move to ensure accountability in public infrastructure projects, the Kerala government has approved new provisions to blacklist contractors who habitually delay works or violate execution norms without valid reasons. The decision follows a proposal submitted by the Chief Engineer (Administration) to address growing concerns over project delays and negligence.
With the government’s nod, key amendments will now be made to the Kerala Public Works Department (KPWD) Manual. As per the revised guidelines, any contractor whose contract has been terminated under the ‘risk and cost’ clause will be barred from participating in tenders for a minimum of five years. During this period, their license will not be renewed, nor can they operate under a different name or proxy. However, ongoing works already awarded to such contractors must still be completed.
Notably, two new clauses have been added to the blacklisting criteria: contractors terminated at risk and cost thrice will be blacklisted, and any lowest bidder who fails to sign an agreement for projects below ₹5 crore within the stipulated time can also face blacklisting. The government also mandated that all blacklisting decisions uphold the principles of natural justice.
