The Backward Classes Development Department has invited applications for the 'Ketavilakku' Scholarship Scheme, which provides a scholarship of ₹1500 per year to OBC students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in government/government-aided schools in the state. Those who have scored 90 percent or more marks in the previous year's annual examination and have an annual income of up to ₹2.50 lakhs will be considered under this scheme. The last date for students to submit applications to schools is January 20. The available applications should be completed by the school authorities through the portal egrantz 3.0 by January 31. The circular containing detailed information (including the application form sample) has been published on the websites www.egrantz.kerala.gov.in and bcdd.kerala.gov.in. For more information, you can contact the regional office of the Backward Classes Development Department. Phone: Ernakulam Regional Office - 0484 - 2983130.

Children of ex-servicemen studying from Class 10 to postgraduate and other diploma courses can apply for the State Military Department Scholarship. Those who have applied for an education grant from the Central Military Board this year are also eligible to apply for the scholarship. Applicants must have secured at least 50 percent marks in the last academic year. The annual income of the parents should not exceed ₹3 lakh.

The application form can be downloaded from the website www.sainikwelfarekerala.org. The last date for submission of applications is 31 January. For more information, contact the District Military Welfare Office at 0484 2422239.

The vacant flats in the Balaramapuram Housing Project, managed by the Kerala State Housing Board (Thiruvananthapuram Division), will be sold through a public auction on January 16. The auction will take place at the Board's conference hall. For further details, contact: 9446459796 or 9495351301.

Traffic restrictions will be in place in Kizhakkekotta, Thiruvananthapuram district, from January 4 to 8 during the State School Kalotsavam. KSRTC and private buses will not be permitted on the stretch between Kizhakkekotta and Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple. Instead, bus services from these areas will operate from parking centers at Attakkulangara, Vettimuricha Kotta, and Kottakkakam. For more information on the traffic arrangements, contact 0471-2558731 or 9497930055.