Kochi: Kerala Government will soon start domestic flights of its new 'Air Kerala' airline for fulfilling the mandatory requirement of a Union Civil Aviation norm that stipulates five year domestic service for launching international flight operations.

"Though we have approached the Union Government for a relaxation in this norm, we are yet to get a reply from them in this regard. However, we have decided to go ahead with the project and launch a domestic service with a small aircraft connecting airports within the state," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here today.

He was speaking at a face-to-face session with Non- Resident Keralites (NRKs) at the Global NRK meet here.

Answering to a query from an NRK who sought subsidy on air tickets in the Gulf sector, he said Air Kerala project would be successfully implemented like the Cochin International Airport project and it would be beneficial to NRKs.

To a suggestion from another NRK that an education cell be started exclusively for the community to guide NRK students who are willing to pursue higher studies in Kerala, the Chief Minister said the government would take all necessary steps to set up such a facility.

Considering repeated pleas from NRKs and the general public that the new property tax assessment for residential buildings was unfair, Chandy said the government had decided to put it on hold and will take a decision after thorough perusal.

State Labour Minister Shibu Baby John said the state government would take all steps to provide certification to those NRKs who have acquired skills in respective jobs after being in service for many years.

State NORKA Minister K C Joseph, NORKA Secretary Rani George, Norka-Roots Vice Chairman M A Yusuf Ali and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.