Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 15 (UNI) Kerala Revenue Minister K P Rajendran told the State Assembly today a sum of Rs 13.6 crore had been sanctioned to tackle the impending drought which was expected to be more severe in the state this year.

Replying to a Calling Attention Motion by Mr M Hamsa (CPI-M), he said the next Cabinet meeting would decide on other measures to meet the situation. Entrusting supervision of relief work with ministers would also be decided at the Cabinet meeting.

Replying to another Calling Attention by Mr C F Thomas (KC-M), Health Minister P K Sreemathi said various steps had been taken to improve facilities in government hospitals.

The intention of the government was to make Community Health Centres as the first referal hospitals by improving the existing facilities, she said and added the vacancies for nurses and other para-medical staff posts would be filled.

Replying to the notice for an adjournment motion sought to be moved by Mr Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan (Cong) on the attack of a forest guard, Forest Minister Binoy Viswam said cases had been registered against four persons for the attack which took place inside a forest range office at Seethathode in Pathanamthitta District yesterday.

Those responsible for the attack would be brought to book irrespective of their party affiliations, he said.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said strict action would be taken against those responsible for the attack.

Speaker K Radhakrishnan refused leave for the motion following the replies from the Chief Minister and the Forest Minister.

UNI