Thiruvananthapuram: CPM led LDF government in Kerala, which assumed office on Wednesday, decided to examine all the "controversial and illegal" decisions taken by previous Congress-led UDF regime after January 1.
Addressing a press conference after the first cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said a cabinet sub- committee headed by the Minister for Law and Culture AK Balan will examine all the "controversial and illegal" decisions taken after January 1 by the previous UDF rule.
The UDF government had come under attack for taking decisions, including assigning lands for private estate owners. Later, it was forced to withdraw some of its orders following protests.
Asked if the government would be presenting a white paper on the state's finances, Vijayan said Kerala's financial situation was in a "bad state".
"But I cannot make any comment without going into it," he said, adding in today's cabinet this was not discussed. On the LDF government's liqour policy, he said, "Today's cabinet did not discuss it. But it is a matter, we will have to look into."
LDF has made it clear that it was for reducing consumption of liqour in a phased manner, while UDF's liqour policy was for total prohibition in the next 10 years.
The previous Congress-led UDF government has closed down over 700 liqour bars.
The Left front has, however, been ambiguous about whether it will be re-opening the closed bars.
To a question on the ban on supply of beef in the canteen at the Police Academy in Thrissur, he said every citizen had the freedom to choose the food he wants.
"If it is banned due to some other reasons, it will not be allowed," he added.
On other cabinet decisions, Vijayan said that in accordance with its promise, the LDF government decided to increase the amount of all welfare pensions.
Steps would also be taken to ensure that the pension amount reached the beneficiaries at their home. It was also decided to clear arrears of the welfare pensions, he said, adding the Chief Secretary has been asked to finalise the modalities.
Vijayan said there was a general consensus in the cabinet that children and women lining up with 'thalappoli' for receiving ministers during functions should be done away with.
"I am not saying that no reception should be held, but forcing children and women to take part in it should be avoided," he added.
'Thalapoli' is a traditional ritual procession carried out by girls and women by carrying flowers and lamps in metal plates to greet dignitaries.
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