Why are investment projects stuck? Kerala plans new tracking system

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A system will be introduced as part of data-driven governance to examine why investment promises remain unfulfilled and why decisions on proposed investments are delayed, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said at a press conference. Details of pending matters in various departments will be accessible through the offices of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary. The system will also help track delays in projects, he said.

Several investors from India and abroad have expressed interest in the Harbour City project, including those from Singapore, the Gulf and Europe. Transparency will be ensured in the procedures, the Chief Minister said, adding that several governments had also expressed interest in investing in the project. Private companies, however, would have to participate through tenders or expressions of interest, as required. An international convention centre modelled on Singapore's Changi Airport is also planned in Kochi, he said.

Helicopter lease contract will not be renewed

The government will not renew the helicopter lease contract, which costs around Rs 10 crore a year, the Chief Minister said. However, helicopters would still be required for essential purposes, including police operations and organ transportation. At the current rental rates, the amount spent on leasing a helicopter over five years would be around Rs 50 crore, enough to purchase one, he said.

The helicopter could then be leased out to generate revenue, which could be used to repay the loan taken to purchase it. A prudent decision would be taken after considering all aspects, he added. The Centre's decision to deny Kerala an AIIMS despite the state's achievements in the healthcare sector was wrong, the Chief Minister said.

Medicine shortage limited to some areas

The medicine shortage was not widespread, the Chief Minister said, adding that problems had been reported with 28 medicines in some places. The shortage occurred because the previous year's indent had not been prepared correctly, he said, maintaining that the situation was not caused by the present government.

Medicines had been shifted from places where they were available to locations facing shortages. Permission had also been granted for local procurement of medicines that were unavailable, he added.