THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the central government has not blocked the foreign trips of ministers for collecting funds to rebuild Kerala. Permission for the trips was sought together for the Chief Minister and ministers. The central government has approved the request of the chief minister and permission was granted for the CM to go abroad.

“We had hoped that the centre will give permission to other ministers as well. This matter was discussed earlier with the prime minister. The prime minister had responded positively. He had also shared his experience when Gujarat faced a similar calamity. The approval for the foreign trips should be given by the prime minister and the external affairs ministry. The centre has given permit for the chief minister’s trip and the decision on other ministers’ trip is pending. However, they have not yet blocked the trip”, clarified Chief Minister.