It is a good idea to correct controversial decisions and actions, even if they are late. Most of the decisions taken by the state government in the last few days can be included in this category. The forthcoming assembly elections may have been the reason for these decisions. However, it should not be underestimated that the government was able to satisfy a large section of the people in general. Various centres have been demanding the withdrawal of cases against believers who took part in the agitation in connection with the entry of Sabarimala women, except those of a serious nature. It is generally accepted that the main reason for the heavy setback for the Left Front in the last Lok Sabha elections was the government's failure in handling the Sabarimala verdict. More than a thousand cases have been registered in connection with the agitation carried out by the faith community across the state. More than 4,000 people were arrested. The fact is that many of these are utterly innocent. Similarly, non-serious cases taken in connection with the agitation in the state against the Citizenship Amendment Act are being withdrawn. While it is said that cases of a serious nature will continue, everyone knows how they will evolve. The vast majority of cases related to such agitations are routinely dropped. Or even if they go to court, most are not convicted in the absence of evidence and witnesses.

Another important decision taken by the government the other day was the cancellation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an American company on a deep-sea fishing project that has caused a major surge in state politics over the past few days. The question still remains as to why the government has resorted to a venture that goes against the interests of the state and the people associated with the fisheries sector. The government has been tainted in recent times by the fact that it has not acted prudently in this regard.

The most humane touch in the decisions taken by the cabinet on Wednesday was to appoint 82 athletes who participated in the National Games and won medals. It is disgraceful that even national medal winners have to beg the government for a job.

The government had created 4136 new posts in two weeks in the wake of intensified youth agitation against backdoor appointments. The duration of a number of PSC rank lists has been extended to enable recruitment in as many vacancies as possible.

The Cabinet decision to pay Rs 50 lakh as compensation to the brothers of Varghese, who was shot dead by the police during a Naxal hunt 50 years ago, is also appropriate. This is a good atonement.