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.
