THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has sparked off controversy for sanctioning Rs 4.10 lakh for a new washroom in a minister's office when it grants only Rs 4 lakh to build a house for the poor under its "Life Mission project".

The order from the General Administration Department came out on December 21 sparking discussions all around.

State Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, for whom the amount has been sanctioned, is a two-time legislator of the CPI-M and was a surprise choice for a Cabinet Minister post in the second Pinarayi Vijayan government.

In the April 6 Assembly polls, he retained his sitting seat and was made a State Minister.

This expensive bathroom for Cherian is being built at a time when the state is passing through one of its worst financial crisis.

17 more personal staff for chief whip

With the government granting 17 new personal staff for the government chief whip, the total number of personal staff has become 25. This will create an additional liability of Rs 3 crores a year. The newly appointed personal staff include a private secretary.