CIAL to be hub for multimodal cargo network, says Kerala CM Vijayan
Kochi (Kerala) (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday announced that a multimodal cargo network integrating air, road, rail, and water routes will be established, with CIAL serving as its primary hub.
He was speaking while inaugurating the plenary session of the International Cargo Business Summit, organised by CIAL in association with FICCI, marking the 25th anniversary of Cochin International Airport Limited's cargo department.
The chief minister inaugurated the event by moving a gear lever on a cockpit model installed on the stage.
Vijayan stated that CIAL is striving to create a business environment favourable to Kerala's economic growth beyond just functioning as an airport.
He noted that CIAL handled over 65,000 metric tonne of cargo in the last financial year, and this is expected to rise to 74,000 tonne in the current fiscal year.
CIAL has provided a 50 per cent dividend to its investors and stands as a model for the entire country through its operations. Construction of three bridges benefiting four panchayats is also underway.
Furthermore, CIAL has begun the process of obtaining certification for handling pharmaceutical products, which will commence immediately upon approval.
In his presidential address, State Industries Minister P Rajeev mentioned that prominent global companies establishing logistics parks near CIAL would allow for greater utilisation of the airport's cargo potential.
He added that the presence of large-scale companies reflects the growth rate of cargo movement in the region.
The chief minister honoured institutions that demonstrated excellence in cargo exports during the ceremony.
CIAL Managing Director S Suhas delivered the welcome speech.
CIAL Cargo Department Head Satheesh Kumar R Pai delivered the vote of thanks.
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
