Kerala to tap industrial growth potential of northern districts
Even as the debates have been raging on whether ease of doing business in Kerala is just a myth, the northern part of the state is witnessing a transformation on that front. The realisation that North Kerala holds immense potential to house a large number of industries belonging to varied sectors has prompted the state government to usher in a variety of industrial units to this geography. P Rajeev, the state’s Minister for Industries, believes that the northern districts of the state shall be transformed into a landscape for industries, as there is great potential for growth in the region.
As part of the efforts to kick start industrial ventures in the northern part of the state, the regional office of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), currently located in Ernakulam, is being shifted to Kozhikode, in the north.
Besides, the state government also plans to make Mattannoor the main operational centre. This is aimed at bringing about a transformation in the northern districts of Kannur and Kasaragod, in terms of industrial investment.
Kinfra Park in Mattannoor holds potential to lure industries
With the international airport close to the Kinfra (Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation) Park in Mattannoor, it is expected that entrepreneurs can be lured. The government also will set up business facilitation centres at the taluk levels, and grievance redressal would be taken up in a timely manner. Going by what the Industries Minister hopes, the government will be able to provide all necessary infrastructure and support systems for the development of industries in the state.
The Covid-19 situation notwithstanding, the state was able to establish as many as 3200 micro, small and medium scale (MSME) units during the pandemic period. All these units would look at luring added investments into the state. The Minister also believes that the geography and the benefits that the environmental conditions in the area offer would be a big plus for businesses that are keen on investing in the state.
10K jobs as part of Govt’s ‘100 Days’ programme
The Mattannoor Kinfra Park will also facilitate the setting up of agriculture-based enterprises. Besides, according to the minister, the park will also witness the setting up of businesses in the fisheries and also the perfumes sector soon.
On the jobs front, the state will look at the generation of at least 10,000 employment opportunities as part of the Left Democratic Front’s 100 Days Programme.
