Kerala Cabinet approves 180 acres for BrahMos missile unit in Thiruvananthapuram

In a step to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, the Kerala Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Monday approved the allotment of 180 acres of land to BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Limited. The land, located in Kallikkad village in Kattakkada taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district, will be provided free of cost and will be dedicated exclusively for the establishment of an Advanced Missile & Other Strategic Unit along with associated activities, according to an official government release.

This decision underscores Kerala’s increasing role in India’s strategic defence sector and marks a major milestone for the southern state in promoting high-technology manufacturing and strategic research. Officials said the allocated land will serve as the foundation for the advanced missile unit, further boosting employment and technological development in the region.

In a move recognizing sporting excellence, the Cabinet also announced a government job for Treesa Jolly, who won two medals for India at the 22nd Commonwealth Games in 2022. A supernumerary post will be created in the State Goods and Services Tax Department to appoint her, highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting its athletes and rewarding international achievements.

The Cabinet took additional measures to resolve long-standing land ownership issues. It cleared the assignment of land to 649 possession holders in Perumpetty village, Pathanamthitta district, after confirming that the land does not fall under the forest category. Residents who have been living on or cultivating the land for decades, including those with possession prior to August 1, 1971, will be granted title deeds, subject to certain conditions. People who settled before 2014 and do not own any other land will also be eligible, although families with annual income exceeding ₹2.5 lakh will not qualify for free assignment. For these cases, the government may regularise holdings using special powers.

The Cabinet further approved revised guidelines for the regularisation of casual and temporary sweepers in government offices to reduce legal disputes. Workers in continuous service since November 25, 2005, may be regularised as part-time sweepers if they meet minimum area requirements. In addition, the state will consult the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department to reserve 20 per cent of future part-time sweeper vacancies for currently employed casual sweepers.

These decisions by the Kerala Cabinet highlight a balanced approach toward strategic industrial development, social equity, and employment rights, positioning the state as a key player in defence production while supporting its citizens and workforce.