State team to demand relaxation norms

KOCHI: A team from the state will meet the representatives of the Central Government to discuss the issue of relaxing norms for implementing various Central schemes in the state. Inaugurating the renovated Janasevana Kendram   at the Corporation on Saturday, IT Minister P K Kunhalikkutty said the team would meet the Central team within ten days.He said the certain specifications laid down  by the Central Government stood in the way of implementing Central projects in Kerala.“During the visit by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and other ministers from the state, the Centre has promised that it would take measures to modify the specifications,” Kunhalikkutty said.He said the infrastructure development of Kochi was the need of the entire state. Being  the financial capital of the state, Kochi should become the role model for the state, he said.Responding to the representation submitted by the councillors, Kunhalikkutty said the state government would soon hike the honorarium of the councillors. “I assure you that the honorarium for the councillors will be hiked soon. But I can’t say the exact amount,” he said. The renovated Janasevana Kendram of the Kochi Corporation will help deliver the services like issuance of birth, marriage and death certificates on the day of application itself.Token system will be introduced at the new air-conditioned centre. There will be representatives of the Health Department for issuing the certificates without delay. There are also plans to bifurcate Janasevana Kendram for registration of marriages.Mayor Tony Chammany presided over the meeting.