Plans to set up shipyard in 3 districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Poovar and Vizhinjam in the district are among three possible locations for a shipyard planned by the State Government, Ports Minister K Babu told the Assembly on Thursday. The third location is Azheekal.Replying to a question by Palode Ravi MLA, Babu said that the shipyard would be a joint venture by the government and the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL).CSL was asked to present a feasibility study at a meeting convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on October 11.VIZHINJAM PROJECTBabu said that the Centre had been requested to provide financial aid for the Vizhinjam container transshipment terminal project through equity shares or grants and by including the project in the Major Ports Projects.If it goes through, the Vizhinjam project will be a joint venture by the State and the Central Governments, he said.Babu also said that the Centre had not yet granted security clearance to the two consortiums that had been short-listed by the State Government for the seaport project.The financial proposals of the two consortiums will be opened only after the security clearance is granted, he said.SREE CHITRA HOMESocial Welfare Minister M K Muneer told the Assembly that the government was committed to solving the problems at the Sree Chitra Home for the Destitute and Poor at Pazhavangadi.The institution is currently under the management of an ad hoc committee. It may be recalled that the earlier administration had triggered a controversy by sacking guest tutors after students experimented with an Ouija board.