Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 4: The Kerala government on Thursday decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 14 lakh each to the families of those who died in the firecracker unit blast in Thrissur district earlier this year.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Satheesan said the compensation would be given to the dependents of all those who lost their lives in the accident, including victims identified through DNA testing.
At least 16 people were killed in the powerful explosion that ripped through a fireworks manufacturing unit at Mundathikode in Thrissur on April 21.
The Cabinet also discussed issues related to paddy procurement in Palakkad district and approved measures aimed at resolving long-pending payment concerns faced by farmers, the CM said.
As part of the decision, the government will facilitate the release of Rs 52 crore in pending payments to primary cooperative societies involved in paddy procurement.
The move is expected to help clear dues owed to farmers and ease financial difficulties in the sector.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the removal of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons appointed by the previous government in various boards and corporations.
Fresh appointments will be made to the resulting vacancies, he said.
The government also cleared the appointment of special government pleaders and senior government pleaders to represent the state in cases before the Kerala High Court, Satheesan added. (PTI)
