Kerala Government’s Priority is Enterprises Creating Jobs for Malayalis: Rajeeve

KOCHI:
Kerala is attaching priority to enterprises that generate jobs for Malayalis, according to Industries, Law and Coir Minister P Rajeeve.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the Kerala Foodtech Conclave 2024, organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) under the aegis of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala here today.

“The state government was moving ahead, accepting the reality that Kerala does not have opportunities in the large-scale manufacturing industry,” he added.

“The government’s priority is to provide maximum employment opportunities to our natives,” the minister said.

“That is why MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) in the food processing and technology sector are encouraged as much as possible.”

He said the government’s policy was “responsible investment, responsible industry”, and the department takes suggestions from entrepreneurs and meets their needs.

“The industries department has devised many schemes and regulations to encourage industries. There should be awareness among entrepreneurs about this,” he said.

“The government has launched an MSME insurance scheme. Enterprises can select the scheme offered by any insurance company. The government will pay half the premium.”

The state plans campus industrial parks to meet the growing demand for skilled workers. In addition, 27 private industrial parks have been approved.

Raeeve said the Entrepreneurship Year scheme was a tremendous success, creating 275,000 enterprises.

He said the government has a serious approach towards conducting investor meetings focusing on the outcomes.

The minister also said that the Investors’ Meet planned in Kochi in February will be a guarantee that the projects will be implemented rather than statistics.

The minister pointed out that Kerala has exceeded the central government’s target for micro-food processing units. While the target was 2,500, the state launched 2,548 units.

APM Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, who presided over the function, asked food processing units to concentrate on the quality of their products.

“This is the area with the highest investment potential for non-resident Keralites,” he said, reminding them that it was the right time to start enterprises back home.

In his welcome address, KSIDC Managing Director S Harikishore explained various schemes and assistance provided to MSMEs.

KSIDC Chairman Paul Antony, Executive Director Hari Krishnan R and MPEDA Vice Chairman and Baby Marine International Managing Partner Alex K Nainan also spoke.

Participants in the panel discussion later on ‘sustainable practices and innovation in food processing’ noted that the sector has the greatest innovation potential.

CFRA Dean Dr Komal Chauhan; Head of Agricultural Engineering Department, Vellanikkara College of Agriculture, Dr KP Sudheer; Nitta Gelatin R&D Head Dr Abhilash P Kailas, and National Small Industries Corporation Limited Kerala Head Grace Regi participated in the discussions.

KSIDC General Manager Varghese Malakaran proposed the vote of thanks.