Construction Sector Can Make Use of Private Industrial Estate Project: Minister Rajeeve

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Companies investing in Kerala can utilise private properties by taking advantage of private industrial estate project in addition to government-owned land thanks to a series of proactive policy initiatives.

Industries, Coir, and Law Minister P Rajeeve said the state has transparently simplified the formalities for starting industrial parks in the private sector.

With massive infrastructural investments imminent, Kerala’s industrial landscape is undergoing a tectonic change, accelerating economic growth and creating jobs.

“The government has approved private parks enabling the investors to get their land declared as an industrial area,” the Minister said at a round table conference with construction industry captains on Wednesday.

“Entrepreneurs and investors should be aware of the Industries Department’s new projects and policies. The government has made several amendments to the law to ensure growth in the construction sector,” he added.

The conference was part of a series of 22 sectoral meetings organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) ahead of next year’s Invest Kerala Global Summit.

The Invest Kerala Global Summit will be held at the Grand Hyatt, Kochi, on February 21 and 22, 2025. Ahead of the summit, special conclaves & roadshows for investors have also been held in Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Rajeeve said licenses for the industry in Kerala would be readily available through the online system K-SWIFT. With the implementation of K-Smart in the local self-government bodies, a significant change has been brought about.

“Although there is a common perception that Kerala is where most strikes occur, this is not the case. Central Labour Commission’s report underlines the fact that industries in Kerala is least affected by strikes” the Minister said.

The Minister sought the views of investors and entrepreneurs in the construction sector to fine-tune the policies that have placed the state at the top in terms of Ease of Doing Business.

He said the process of acquiring private land for industrial purposes will be unified and coordinated with other departments.

The Pollution Control Board has placed buildings exceeding 20,000 square metres in the red category. They also need help with fire management rules.

A road survey has been completed, and officials have been appointed and trained to prepare the geology handbook of industrially important places in the state.

The Minister expressed pride in the American Society of Public Administration’s recent recognition of the state’s ongoing Year of Entrepreneurship initiative, which was launched in 2022.

“Kerala is home to world-class companies manufacturing health equipment. Four of India’s five companies earning the highest revenue are in Kerala,” he said.

Principal Secretary (Industries & Commerce) APM Mohammed Hanish made a presentation on the availability of industrial land in Kerala.

Industries Department Director Mir Mohammed, KSIDC Chairman C Balagopal, Industries Department (Officer on Special Duty) Annie Jula Thomas, Executive Director Hari Krishnan R, KINFRA MD Santosh Koshy Thomas and other officials were also present.