T'PURAM: The government has decided to spend Rs 4.51 crore for bringing out a handbook to "explain" the SilverLine project that is under fire from various corners, including opposition parties. The government has entrusted Kottayam-based MM Publications Ltd to print 50 lakh copies of the handbook titled 'Silverline-all you need to know', it is learnt.
The information and public relations department had invited a tender to print the 36-page multi-colour book with graphic representations. Among the nine companies that participated in the bid, MM Publications quoted the lowest amount of Rs 7.65 per booklet, including transportation charge. The total amount, including GST, was worked out at Rs 4,51,35,000. The other firms had quoted more than Rs 6 crore.
The booklet is part of a government strategy to counter the mounting opposition to the project. The chief minister himself had attended meetings explaining the project, in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. CPM cadres have also been asked to come up with social media posts in favour of the project. The booklets will be mainly distributed in households falling along the project route or are affected by it.
The Congress too will be distributing a booklet prepared following a study conducted by a UDF team headed by M K Muneer.
Cong plans massive protests
Meanwhile, the KPCC executive committee on Friday decided to launch an agitation similar to the recent farmers' protests in Delhi, against the SilverLine project in the state.
KPCC president K Sudhakaran said in a press release here that since the project is harmful to the state, the protest being launched will be unparalleled. Congress workers will visit houses and distribute booklets prepared by the UDF against the project. After conducting mandalam, block and DCC meetings, collectorate marches will be held on March 7.
More intensive protests are being planned for the next phase. Sudhakaran said that the state will not be able to absorb the economic, social and environmental impacts of the project. He said the project's only aim is CPM's financial benefits and the state is being pledged for the party's growth. The project is likely to get the Centre's nod since the ties between BJP and CPM are strong. Therefore, it is UDF's responsibility to fight against it, he added.
