THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet convened here Wednesday decided to give cabinet rank to advocate general C P Sudhakar Prasad. With this, in addition to ministers, those obtained cabinet ranks have touched five.

The action was taken following the recommendation of the law department. A similar proposal emerged two months ago. However, it was abandoned due to opposition from various angles.

Administrative Reforms Commission chairman V S Achuthanandan, Forward Community Commission chairman R Balakrishna Pillai, government chief whip R Rajan and state representative in Delhi A Sampath are those having cabinet ranks.

Sudhakara Prasad, holding constitutional status has special powers now. In addition, he is given cabinet rank now. The cabinet also gave sanction for the decision to reduce heavy fines on Motor Vehicle Act. The meet also decided to give a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to Apheel Johnson who died during hammer throw event.