Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Wednesday refuted reports that the government has plans to windup the state Planning Board.
"There is no such move and the Board under Vice Chairman K M Chandrashekar is doing a good work," Chandy told reporters during cabinet briefing here. The Board has an important role for the development of the state, he said, adding that the Board had already prepared a project report on Kerala Vision-2030.
When asked about the Centre's move to scrap the Planning Commission, Chandy said, "I have not totally opposed the move. But, I have expressed my own doubts and concerns on the issue to the Prime Minister. I am of the view that the Centre should consult with states before taking a decision on the matter."
Referring to cabinet decisions, Chandy said the government has decided to issue title deeds to settler farmers upto four acres of land with right to transfer in Idukki district. "However, the right to transfer would be restricted to the occupied land and in case of non-occupied land the 25-years bar for transfer would continue," he said.
"As per the present rules, title deeds could be issued only for one acre of land and necessary amendments in the State Title Deeds Rule will be made to facilitate title deeds for four acres of land."
"The title deeds in accordance with the new rule will be issued very shortly. The Cabinet has also approved the proposal to set up a State Academic City," added the Chief Minister.