‘Internal growth vital to reduce dependence on outside jobs’

Thiruvananthapuram: Citing the troubles being faced by expatriate workers in countries like Iraq and Libya, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday said internal employment generation was vital instead of depending on outside jobs.

Giving his Independence Day message after inspecting an impressive ceremonial parade, Chandy said it was in view of these developments that the state was now giving greater emphasis on promoting youth start-up ventures.

While paying tributes to freedom fighters, he announced five major welfare schemes including free treatment for cancer patients in government hospitals and a subsidised public meal scheme.

He also declared a project to build 25,000 houses for the homeless families in two years and a campaign to achieve total e-literacy in three years.

Continuing the government's thrust for uplift of differently abled persons, the Chief Minister said laptop and other learning tools would be made available to visually impaired students.

The first public kitchen where good quality food would be supplied at nominal cost, would be opened in Thiruvananthapuram and later extended to other cities.

Chandy unfurled the tricolour at the Central Stadium and inspected the parade in which various contingents of state police, BSF, Fire and Rescue Force, Excise and Forest personnel and NCC participated.

He also presented police medals and awards for personnel from other forces for their exemplary services.