The Kerala Government decided to contribute Rs. 5 crore for flood relief in Pakistan on Monday.

Speaking to the media after a meeting of the Cabinet which took the decision, Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan said that the aid would be routed through the Central government.

The Chief Minister noted that the floods had caused considerable hardships to the people of Pakistan. Hence the decision to provide the assistance.

The Cabinet, which usually meets on Wednesday, met on Monday to take important decisions ahead of the announcement of elections to the local self governments. A code of conduct comes into effect with the announcement of the elections which will prevent the Cabinet from taking policy decisions that would influence the voters.