Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Thursday decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 14 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives 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, the Chief Minister said the compensation would be extended to the dependents of all victims, including those identified through DNA testing.
At least 16 people were killed in the massive explosion that occurred at 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 steps to address long-pending payment concerns faced by farmers. The Chief Minister said the measures aim to ease financial stress in the agriculture sector.
As part of the decision, the government will facilitate the release of Rs 52 crore in pending payments to primary cooperative societies engaged in paddy procurement, which is expected to clear dues owed to farmers.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the removal of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons appointed by the previous government from various boards and corporations. Fresh appointments will be made to fill the resulting vacancies.
The Cabinet also cleared the appointment of special government pleaders and senior government pleaders to represent the state in cases before the Kerala High Court, the Chief Minister added.
With PTI inputs