Ker LDF, UDF MPs back govt decision not to cooperate with NPR

: The Kerala government's decision to fully cooperate with the Census, but not with the National Population Register (NPR) updation has received the backing of ruling LDF and opposition UDF MPs from the state.

To ensure there is no confusion among the public and political parties on the matter, government will take further steps on the matter, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told a meeting of the MPs here on Friday.

Ten MPs belonging to the ruling Left Democratic Front and opposition Congress United Democratic Front gave their backing to the government decision.

A special cabinet meeting held last week had also decided to inform the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Union Home ministry that it was unable to cooperate with anything with regard to NPR updation.

Vijayan also wanted the MPs to take up various issues concerning the state, with the Centre.

The Railway ministry has given in principle clearance to the pre-investment activities of the Thiruvananthapuram- Kasaragod semi High speed rail corridor and MPs should put pressure on the ministry to take further steps, a government press quoted Vijayan as having told the members.

On the Angamali-Sabari rail project, the state wanted the Railways to set apart necessary amounts for the project and MPs to urge the ministry in this regard, chief minister said.

The MPs also should put pressure on the Centre to speed up the National Highway development, the release added.