Special financial package for development of Kasargod dist.

Kerala cabinet gave approval in principle to a special financial package of Rs 11,000 crore for comprehensive development of the state's Kasargod district.

Various schemes in different sectors have been planned under the package which would be carried out with the financial support of the Centre and private sector, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

The state planning board also gave its consent to the package at its meeting held today, he said, adding, details for implementing the schemes would be worked out now.

On other decisions, he said government decided to extend the last date for utilising the project expenses for the year 2012-13 pertaining to local self-government bodies to April 30 this year, considering the representations from several local bodies demanding extension.

Chandy said 53.72 acres would be acquired for setting up an IT Park at Areekode in Malappuram district.

It has been decided to acquire 22.89 acres for setting up the campus of Indian Institute of Information Technology at Valavur in Kottayam district.

The commando wing of Kerala Police will be given Rs 11.5 crore for purchasing modern equipment and vehicles.

The government has decided to sanction Rs four crore to the organisers of the Kochi Biennale.

The decision comes in the wake of clearances and inspections undertaken by finance department. It has been stipulated that the amount should be used only for meeting expenses, based on conditions approved by the government, he said.

The government has decided to sanction Rs five lakh to the families of seven students who died in the bus accident at Rajakkad in Indukki district on March 25.Treatment expenses of those injured will be met by the government,he added.