Latest news with #G.R.Anil
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
State seeks additional rice for Onam
Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil held discussions with Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Tuesday to seek various assistance ahead of the Onam festival season. Mr. Anil urged the Union government to increase the allotment of rice for Kerala during the Onam season. He pointed out that since the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Kerala's universal statutory ration system that existed since 1965 has become limited to certain sections. Currently, only priority groups, i.e., the holders of yellow and pink ration cards, are eligible for NFSA benefits, leaving nearly 57% of Kerala's population outside the ration coverage. The limited quantity available under the 'tide-over' category is used by the State to support non-priority households. The Minister stated that for a consumer State like Kerala, food grain availability is not merely a financial issue, but also a matter of social equity, especially during festivals like Onam when market prices tend to soar. He requested an additional 5 kg of rice per person for non-priority families for the festival season. He also sought the restoration of the State's wheat allotment under the tide-over category, which had been discontinued. Mr. Anil also raised concerns about the deadline for upgrading electronic point of sale (e-PoS) machines from LO to L1 standard devices. He requested an extension of the deadline to September 30. The Minister also met Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri to discuss the State's kerosene allocation. He requested an extension of the deadline to lift the allotted stock to September 30, citing monsoon-related logistical challenges and technical delays. The Union Ministers have conveyed that while additional allocations of rice and wheat could not be considered at present, the requests related to the e-PoS upgrade and kerosene lifting deadline extension would be sympathetically considered, according to the office of the Food and Civil Supplies Minister.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Higher secondary curriculum revision next year, says Sivankutty
Higher secondary curriculum revision will be implemented next year, Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty has said. He was speaking at the inauguration of 'Varavelppu,' the Plus One Praveshanolsavam, at Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School, Thycaud, here on Wednesday. The Minister said the start of Plus One classes would coincide with the launch of 'Koodeyundu Karuthekan' to equip students to survive challenges. The government aimed at arranging elaborate support mechanisms for not only students but teachers and parents also through this programme. Activities that support students' individual growth and development will be implemented as part of the programme. Schools should not be just spaces that impart knowledge to students; they should be able to aid students' social, emotional, and mental growth. The atmosphere in schools should be of happiness and care. Each student must feel secure and confident of enjoying all support. Counselling service 'Koodeyundu Karuthekan' would include counselling services by experts, personality development classes, cybersecurity awareness, and life skill training. Teachers too would get training to understand students' emotional state and provide support. It would also help parents provide correct guidance at every stage of a child's growth. The Minister said as many as 3.15 lakh students began Plus One on Wednesday. With completion of supplementary allotment, all students would get Plus One admission. Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil presided over the function. Antony Raju, MLA, was the chief guest.
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Praveshanolsavam marks school reopening in district
Praveshanolsavam became a vibrant affair in schools in the district on Monday as part of the new academic year. Much after their parents had dropped them off with lots of assurances, some young ones starting school remained inconsolable despite their new bags, bottles, and uniform. Yet, there was no dearth in smiles and the sight of children getting happy at seeing their peers. Children, in their innocence, had their fair share of awe at the newly-painted classrooms and colourful decorations. In many schools, students were greeted with gifts, sweets, and crafts, making Day One welcoming. Teachers too chipped in with their gags while receiving the tiny tots. The State-level Praveshanolsavam was telecast in all schools. Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil inaugurated the district-level Praveshanolsavam at Government Higher Secondary School, Kavalayoor, Attingal, on Monday. Recalling the State's progress in the area of education, the Minister highlighted the infrastructure development undertaken in schools in recent years. On the academic front, two weeks of bridging exercise would help students transition to this year's syllabus and make them aware of a range of issues, such as personal hygiene, cleanliness, preventing violence, need for emotional control, keeping public property safe, legal awareness, health check-ups, social media addiction and dangers of substance abuse. Praveshanolsavam of today, he said, is very different from what they used to be. As the elaborate affair it was once, they were much liked by students reaching school for the first time, he pointed out. O.S. Ambika, MLA, presided over the function. The Minister also inaugurated a new building for the school constructed using ₹30 lakh from Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board and ₹18 lakh from the MLA's asset development fund. District panchayat president D. Suresh Kumar was present on the occasion.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
NTPC Simhadri wins gold in OOH Advertising and silver in CSR at Tusker Awards 2025
NTPC Simhadri was conferred with `Gold in Excellence' in OOH Advertising and Silver for Excellence in CSR at the Tusker awards 2025, organised by the ICTEP Council in Trivandrum. The event was graced by Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, who delivered a keynote address, and G.R. Anil, Kerala Minister for Food & Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Legal Metrology, according to a release here on Sunday.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Paddy growers prepare for stir as banks refuse loans against PRS
With the banks continuing to deny loans against Paddy Receipt Sheets (PRS), paddy farmers across Kuttanad and upper Kuttanad are gearing up to intensify their protests. As per estimates, around 7,000 paddy farmers in Kottayam district alone are awaiting payments for the paddy procured during the current season. The total dues are estimated at approximately ₹81 crore. Minister's assurance Despite assurances from Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil that the PRS payment issue will be resolved, farmers say banks are still refusing to accept their receipts. While the State Bank of India (SBI) is accepting PRS, it has only sanctioned loans against sheets dated up to March 31. Meanwhile, Canara Bank has reportedly withdrawn from the scheme altogether, allegedly demanding a hike in interest rates. 'Farmers have been waiting for their payments for over a month. Canara Bank has not accepted a single PRS this season. This is the first time a bank has completely opted out of the scheme,' said V.J. Lally, patron of the Nelkarshaka Samrakshana Samithi, a collective of paddy farmers. PRS loans effectively serve as advance payments for paddy procured by the government. The delay in issuing these loans is severely affecting preparations for the next cultivation cycle in the region. Although authorities had earlier proposed involving Kerala Bank in the PRS loan scheme, no action has followed in this direction. Taking note of the mounting crisis, the Kerala Congress has announced an indefinite protest. Party chairman P.J. Joseph has urged the State government to immediately release ₹100 crore as payment for paddy collected from various padasekharams (polder networks) in Upper Kuttanad. 'This prolonged delay is pushing farmers into deep distress. It's high time the State and Central governments implement practical and lasting solutions to the recurring crises in paddy procurement and stock reservation,' Mr. Joseph said.
