Kerala chief secretary Tom Jose has attracted harsh criticism from the state cabinet for not issuing the order for executing the agriculture package, including the moratorium, for all farm loans availed till December 31.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also expressed his displeasure with the CS who didn't follow the instruction even after the revenue minister E Chandrasekharan gave the nod before the election code of conduct kicked in.

The cabinet is said to have rejected the explanation of the chief secretary in this regard and instructed him to take immediate action to execute the farm package including moratorium.

The chief secretary and revenue principal secretary had clarified to the cabinet that the instruction of the agriculture department including the raising of loan relief was against the election code of conduct. Jose also pointed out that the moratorium was applicable for farm loans till October and farmers must not worry.