Wednesday, December 21 2005 14:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Thiruvananthapuram: A revival scheme for the public sector FACT and Rs 700 crore expansion programme for Hindustan Newsprint would be among 21 key issues to be taken up during a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here today (Dec 21, 2005).

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, Chandy, who will be leaving for Delhi later in the day, said the FACT revival package has been cleared by the Centre's re-constitution committee. The scheme has to be approved both by the Committee of Cabinet Economic Affairs and the Secretaries committee, he said.

In the case of HNL, the cabinet has made the proposal and the CCEA has to examine it, he said.

Kerala would also demand a separate railway zone for the state. This matter would be taken up with the Union Railway Minister, Chandy said.

Setting up of an international airport at Kannur and a proposal to start the 'Air Kerala' flight service, especially for Keralites working in Gulf countries are the other issues that will be taken up during the visit.