The LDF Opposition in Kerala disrupted assembly proceedings for the second consecutive day today demanding resignation of "tainted and corrupt ministers" of Congress-led UDF government.
Amid CPI(M)-led protest and sloganeering, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who holds the Finance portfolio, announced certain concessions especially for weaker sections as a reply to the conclusion of general discussion on the budget for 2016-17.
The House also cut short the discussion on the budget.
Speaker N Sakthan adjourned the House for the day due to the protests. He also suspended the sitting scheduled for February 19 and February 22, as per Chandy's request.
Hitting out at the Opposition, Chandy said LDF was running away from discussion as they were afraid to face the government politically.
Chandy in his short reply said poultry and cattle rearing would be treated as agriculture to extend benefits of power and tax concessions (now enjoyed by farmers) to them as well.
With a view to helping families of organ donors, government would bear a portion of their treatment expenses. A detailed scheme would be worked out for this, he said.
Chandy announced an amount of Rs 25 lakh as part of premium for the Health Insurance scheme for journalists in the state.
Emoluments for Anganwadi teachers were hiked to Rs 10,000 from Rs 7,000, and similarly, that of 'ASHA' (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers to Rs 6,500.
The daily wages of Rs 300 to Rs 400 given to those who prepare noon meals in schools have been increased to Rs 400 and Rs 500 respectively, he said.
Families with members suffering from 80 per cent physical disability have been exempted from building tax. The loss incurred to civic bodies in this regard would be met by the government, he said.
Earlier, LDF sought to move an adjournment motion on the murder of a CPI-M worker, allegedly by RSS, at Pallipuram in Cherthala in Alapuzha district recently.
Replying to the notice, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala
informed the House that the incident was not a political one.
The deceased Shibu was attacked by a group of drug peddlers, when he informed police about their activities, the minister said.
Chennithala also said government considered all murders very seriously.
Police have arrested all the persons, stated to be CPI-M workers, involved in the murder of a RSS worker Sujith at Pappinissery in Kannur, Chennithala said.
Criticising the government, CPI-M leader S Sharma, who led the LDF members' walkout in the absence of Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan, alleged that the UDF government was protecting RSS in the state.
LDF members trooped out of the House when their demand for debate on the issue was rejected by Speaker.
Later, they returned and announced their decision not to cooperate with the proceedings.
