T’puram: CM V D Satheesan said Kerala expects investments worth Rs 10,000 crore in phase- I of its investment outreach, while rejecting reports that govt had not met Tata Group over proposed projects in Kerala. After Wednesday’s cabinet meet, he said photos of discussions with company representatives had already made public. He added that govt had taken a decision on the long-pending Malabar Cements-related project and sought higher investments from the company.He said several entrepreneurs from India and abroad had submitted investment proposals and govt was studying their economic models. The CM said govt had opened four-five new doors to attract investments to Kerala.Satheesan said govt will bring in a new law to prevent ragging in colleges and professional educational institutions. The legislation will be named Siddharthan anti-ragging law, in memory of Wayanad veterinary college student JS Siddharthan, who died after a ragging incident. Govt will also launch Siddharthan distress app to help students report ragging incidents directly to authorities for prompt action.The cabinet also decided to organize a statewide Onam campaign to support the crisis-hit coir sector. The objective is to clear unsold coir products and revive the industry. Satheesan requested the public and govt institutions to buy one coir product as part of the campaign.Responding to the row over the appointment of govt pleaders, he said he had met KSU leaders, heard their complaints and explained govt’s stand. He refuted reports that his office had denied them an appointment. He said he meets thousands of people regularly and his office has a mechanism to address their grievances.On the controversy over voluntary organizations , including DYFI, distributing food inside govt hospital premises, Satheesan said govt had no objections and the only issue was the alleged encroachment of hospital premises and political banners.On chief minister’s distress relief fund (CMDRF) , Satheesan alleged that misleading propaganda was being spread regarding the disposal of applications. He said when his govt assumed office on May 18, there were 34,661 pending applications from the previous govt’s tenure (as on June 18, 2026) and govt disposed of 11,174 of them. Between May 18 and July 15, govt received 23,653 fresh CMDRF applications, of which 9,726 were processed, he said. During this period, govt sanctioned Rs 24.15 crore as medical assistance. The remaining applications will be disposed of soon, he added.
