Thiruvananthapuram: In a major change in party policies, CPM has decided to restrict leaders aged above 75 from being appointed in the party-state committee and the levels above. The move was made ahead of the 23rd Party Congress and it is learned that many leaders over the age of 75 will be exempted from their duties. CPM leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Tuesday confirmed that the party had made a decision on the matter. He also said it was mandatory to have at least one woman in every district secretariat.

“New party members should be given a chance. Many senior members will have to step down because of the age limit. However, the allowances, medical care and other assistance will be continued,” he added.

Earlier, reports had surfaced about the age limit of CPM committee members, but the party leadership had not given an official response.

There are 96 State Committee members in Kerala, including 88 members and 8 invitees. Among them, about twenty members are aged above 75. However, all the senior leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, belong to this age group. While some may get concessions, many important leaders are likely to be removed from the state committee