Latest news with #ThomasIsaac
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Isaac's appointment as ‘Vijnana Keralam' director as per law: Govt to Kerala HC
Kochi: The state govt has informed high court that the appointment of Thomas Isaac as advisor for the 'Vijnana Keralam' (Knowledge Kerala) project was made in accordance with the law and relevant administrative authority. In a counter-affidavit filed in response to a petition by A Navas of Thiruvananthapuram challenging the appointment, the govt stated that Isaac has been appointed on an honorary basis, offering his services without any remuneration. However, a monthly amount of Rs 70,000 has been sanctioned to cover fuel expenses for the use of his personal vehicle for official purposes, with a driver appointed on a contract basis. Denying the petitioner's allegation that the appointment has caused a significant loss to the public exchequer, the govt contended that there is no financial impropriety involved. The petitioner had further claimed that the appointment was made under a non-existent department, namely, the department of planning and finance (development innovation). Supporting this claim, the amicus curiae appointed by the court submitted an affidavit stating that no such department appears to have been created under the executive rules of the state govt. Planning and economic affairs department under secretary K S Manot clarified in the counter-affidavit that the said unit functions as a wing under the planning and economic affairs department. HC is scheduled to consider the petition on July 3.
New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Will respond to amicus curiae report in court: Former Minister Thomas Isaac
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former finance minister Thomas Isaac has said that he would respond to the amicus curiae's findings in the court. The amicus curiae was appointed by the Kerala High Court on a public interest litigation challenging the appointment of Isaac as an advisor to the Vijnana Keralam (Knowledge Kerala) project of the government. Addressing reporters here on Friday, Isaac said he has not read the amicus curiae's report. However, he responded to the allegations over his appointment. On the allegation on his remuneration, Isaac said he receives only a travel allowance. The project involves skill training for all students in the state. He has to travel extensively and stay at guest houses. He said the K-DISC was formed with the approval of the finance department. The allegations in this regard are baseless. Another criticism was on the sanction given by the KDISC ex officio secretary. There are several precedents in which ex officio secretaries issued similar sanctions. ASHA workers' strike was politically motivated Issac said the ASHA workers' strike was politically motivated. The previous LDF government raised the honorarium for the workers from Rs 1000 to Rs 7000 not because of any strike. Also, the social security pension was raised to Rs 1600. The previous government hiked these amounts because it had money. 40 per cent of the government's revenue was central funds during the time. Now it has come down to 25 pc and the government is facing a severe fund crunch, he said.
