Kerala CM's contact programme on in Thrissur district

Chandy said the government has decided to raise the annual income ceiling for eligibility of various benefits for differently abled persons

Despite protests from CPI-M-led LDF opposition, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today commenced his mass contact programme here.

Speaking on the occasion, Chandy said government has decided to raise the annual income ceiling for eligibility of various benefits for differently abled persons from Rs 25,000 to Rs three lakh.

The chief minister settled several petitions and requests of assistance on the spot. People have thronged the Thekkinkadu maidan, venue of the programme, to meet Chandy to redress their grievances and tokens have already been issued to over 400 persons, officials said.

Chandy embarked on the second phase of the Mass Contact Programme last month.

LDF activists staged a black flag demonstration demanding Chandy's resignation on the solar panel scam. When they attempted to take out a procession to the venue, police blocked them.

The opposition has organised protests at the programme venues as part of their ongoing boycott of Chandy demanding his resignation over the solar scam.