Kerala on the route to become industry friendly : CM Vijayan

KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that his government is trying hard to solve the crisis faced by the industrial sector in the state which has been relegated over the years when compared to the country as a whole. Speaking after presenting the Kerala Management Association’s Management Leadership Award to former KMRL managing director Elias George at a function here, the Chief Minister said fast track clearance of projects is being made to improve industrial climate and encourage investors to pick Kerala as their destination.

He said that a comprehensive development rather than development of one sector is the goal of his government. He said that the government has set apart Rs 150 crore to encourage start-ups. The government has informed departments that if decisions are not taken on projects within a timeframe then it will be deemed as the applications are accepted. He also said that a turnaround has happened in the case of State PSUs clocking an overall profit of Rs 34 crore.

Infrastructure development for IT and skill development are key areas of focus. He also said that there is a change in perception among people on land acquisition for projects. He lauded Elias George for his role in implementing Kochi Metro Rail. KMA president Vivek Krishna Govind presided over the function. KMA secretary Madhav Chandran, MLA Hibi Eden and others were also present.