Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said that the state government would not discard any development projects, or succumb to threats from ‘anti-development forces'.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of firemen at the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy, the CM also said that these developmental schemes were vital for the state’s growth.
Vijayan’s remarks come in the backdrop of a major protest against the GAIL pipeline in Mukkom and other affected areas, which turned violent on Wednesday, and forced the government to hold an all-part meet on Monday.
The CM also raised his concerns about educated youth migrating to other states and countries on a look out for better opportunities.
"Some people are creating roadblocks to the development of the state. They are a small section... under pressure from anti-development crusaders, the government will not stop or abandon development projects," the Chief Minister was quoted as saying.
“Even today, educated Malayali youth migrate to other countries or states in search of better job opportunities. The government is trying to utilize the expertise of the educated youth within Kerala by developing adequate job opportunities for them here. The developmental projects are primarily designed to achieve this objective, but the anti-development elements are blocking such projects. The government will not surrender before them,” he added.
The CM also said that government was planning to recruit women in the fire brigade to achieve gender equality.
“Modern equipment and vehicles will be provided to modernise and strengthen the force. Safety squads will be formed for multi-storey buildings,” he said.
The anti-GAIL pipeline action committee will be participating in the all-party meeting to be held at Mukkom on Monday. The meet will be convened by industries minister AC Moideen, at the district Collectorate to discuss the issue, the Times of India reported.
The protestors had earlier decided not to attend the meeting if the GAIL authorities did not halt the work. District collector UV Jose on Sunday extended an invitation to two action committee leaders to attend the meeting. The protesters have been continuing their agitation at Eranhimavu and Pannikkodu, demanding the diversion of the route of the pipeline, the ToI report adds.