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IANS
Thiruvananthapuram
The Congress-led Opposition on Monday walked out of the Kerala Assembly, blaming the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government of not doing enough to revive the cashew industry.
The opposition said 800 of 850 cashew factories were closed but Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan maintained that the government was working hard towards reviving the cashew industry. Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the government should sanction a one-time assistance of Rs 10,000 to the cashew workers, who have no work since January. He also demanded free ration for them."Most Kerala cashew factories are in dire straits... almost 800 factories in the private sector needs support from the government,"he said.
"You have now been in power for close to two years... why are you not taking over these factories. You should also impress upon the Centre for a special package,"said Chennithala. Replying to an adjournment motion moved by former state minister and senior Congress leader Adoor Prakash, Vijayan said the factories were closed due to the non-availability of raw nuts.
