Individual ministers' statements against Governor's office will invite action: Arif Mohammed Khan
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Amidst the ongoing tussle between the ruling LDF in Kerala and the Raj Bhavan over various issues, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Monday issued a stern warning that statements by any Left minister that lower dignity of his office would invite action including "withdrawal of pleasure."
Khan and the ruling Left front have been at loggerheads for some time over the signing of certain controversial legislations, like the Lok Ayukta and University Laws Amendment Bills, passed by the Kerala Assembly and appointments to the universities in the state.
Several Left ministers have been saying that the Governor is bound to act in accordance with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers and cannot hold on to the bills indefinitely without signing or sending them back.
Some Left leaders and ministers had alleged that Khan was creating a constitutional crisis in the state at the behest of the BJP and RSS and was trying to implement the policies of the latter in Kerala.
In the wake of all these harsh criticism against him, the Governor, on Twitter, said that while the chief minister and council of ministers have every right to advise him, statements of individual ministers that lower the dignity of the Governor's office can invite action.
"Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said: "The CM and Council of Ministers have every right to advise Governor.But statements of individual ministers that lower the dignity of the office of the Governor, can invite action including withdrawal of pleasure": PRO, KeralaRajBhavan," his office tweeted.
This is the second unexpected move by Khan in the last few days.
A few days ago, as Chancellor of Universities in the state, he had issued an order for removal of the 15 members of the Senate of the Kerala University.
Khan had taken the action after his repeated directions to hold a senate meeting and provide a nominee of the senate for the selection committee went unheeded, sources in the Raj Bhavan had said.
The selection committee was to appoint a Vice-Chancellor, the sources had said.
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Centre further tightens wheat stock limit for wholesalers, retailers & processors
New Delhi: The government on Wednesday further tightened wheat stock holding norms for wholesalers, small and big chain retailers, and processors to curb hoarding and check price rise.
"As part of continuous efforts to moderate prices of wheat, the central government has decided to revise the wheat stock limit applicable until 31st March 2025," the food ministry said in a statement.
According to the revised norms, wholesalers are now allowed to maintain wheat stock up to 1,000 tonne instead of 2,000 tonne, retailer can hold 5 tonne for each outlet instead of 10 tonne, while big chain retailer can hold 5 tonne for each outlet instead of 10 tonne earlier.
Processors will be allowed to maintain 50 per cent instead of 60 per cent of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the remaining months till April 2025.
The stock limits on wheat were first imposed on June 24 and later revised to tighten the norms on September 9 in order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation.
The ministry said all wheat stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal (https://evegoils.Nic.In/wsp/login) and update the stock position every Friday.
If the stocks held by entities are higher than the prescribed limit, they should bring the quantity to the prescribed stock limits within 15 days of the issue of the notification.
Any entity which is found to have not registered on the portal or violates the stock limits will be subject to suitable punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act,1955.
The food ministry is maintaining close watch over the stock position of wheat to control prices and ensure easy availability in the country.
