THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Inaugurating the global investors meet “Ascend Kerala 2020” in Kochi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, Kerala has made big leaps in the infrastructure sector. The National Waterway is set to complete this year, enabling travel from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram in just four hours, he said. All roads shell be renovated by December this year., the minister added.
Kerala has transformed into a state with least corruption, Pinarai said. Plans to build airport at Sabarimala is also underway. The Semi –High-Speed Rail project to is in progress, he added.
All avenues of development shall be tapped for industrial growth in the state. The climate in Kerala today is very conducive to investments, the minister said. The govt is striving to generate adequate employment by supporting industrial and business initiatives. It aims to end the unemployment crisis fully in ten years time.
The state’s achievements in various sectors, has helped increase investments in the state. Kerala’s salient features, its landscape, natural bounties, climate and high levels of law and order prevalent in the state, are all conducive to investments. Kerala has four international airports and seaports. Also the expansion of its national highways is progressing at fast pace. Hill Highways, Coastal Highways and National Waterways too are nearing their completion.
While several parts of the country reels under internet blackouts, Kerala stands out having proclaimed net connectivity as its citizens’ right. The govt will ensure high-speed data to all by connecting every office and home to the optical network, the minister said.
Kerala topped the index for health and education. The govt has also took set up several business-friendly initiatives such as Kerala Investment Promotion Facilitation Act, K-Swift and Investment Kerala Portal.
The govt also formulated policy to develop Startup Eco Systems via its Kerala Start-up Mission App. Govt also took measures to improve job competency of its people. Kerala featured among the top 5 states in 2018 Skills Report, owing to steps in the direction of skills development.
For entrepreneurs, a high-level committee has been set up under the Chief Secretary to ensure smooth, transparent and speedy permissions to business entities. The govt also amended 7 laws and 10 rules, as part of its Ease of Doing Business scheme.
With the advent of Kerala Investment Promotion Act, several complicated procedures pertaining to setting up businesses, have been significantly eased. If the deadline for permission expires without response from authorities, the same is assumed as given and the applicant becomes eligible for Deemed License.
The govt aims to transform Kerala into an unemployment-free state. Also, conducive working environment shall be ensured. Rules shall be patterned after BPCL model to ensure that workers do not lose their wage days. Committees will be formed to protect interests of employers and employees.
Local bodies shall be encouraged to set up units to alleviate regional unemployment. Measures would be put in place to ensure that at least 5 persons for every thousand , are gainfully employed by local self bodies.
Women will be allowed to work from 7 O’clock in the evening to 6 am morning. Employers will be instructed to ensure safe lodging for their night workers. Water and electricity shall be ensured at all workplaces. Permissions from the Geology Department for single- unit factories measuring upto 20,000 sq ft, shall be facilitated via single-window system.
The government is also mulling a 5-year subsidy scheme for registered investors, based on the number of people they employ, CM said concluding his address.
A brief video on investment opportunities in Kerala was screened at the function. CM also released the book titled “Coffee Table” from KINFA. Those present included Chief Secretary Tom Jose Principal Secretary to Department of Industries Dr K Elankavan, Lulu Group Chairman MA Yusuf Ali, RP Group Chairman Dr B Ravi Pillai and Industries and Commerce Principal Secretary Sanjay Gargh
