Kerala Kaumudi's contribution to Kerala's development matchless: Minister K N Balagopal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K N Balagopal praised Kerala Kaumudi’s vital contribution to the development of Kerala.

“Kerala Kaumudi is keenly involved in the development of the state by identifying and reporting development opportunities and encouraging young entrepreneurs as well. It was Kerala Kaumudi who foresaw the possibilities of Vizhinjam port and promoted the project the most.” Minister talked while inaugurating the ‘Kerala Rising Conclave’ organized by Kerala Kaumudi and Kaumudi TV at Hotel O by Tamara.

K N BALAGOPAL:

The mentality that no development would happen in Kerala has changed for good. Kerala is the most suitable place for industries to thrive. Companies like Taurus and Alliance have come to Kerala with huge job opportunities. All efforts made for Vizhinjam would go into vain if the state fails to provide ancillary facilities for the port. The industries will then move to Tamil Nadu.

There should be authority for Vizhinjam development with public-private partnerships and land pooling. Vizhinjam port area should become a major production centre with private capital. If space is provided and facilities are provided, townships and industries including logistics will come along with the port. Apart from the outer ring road, more ancillary facilities should be provided.

Ten thousand hotel rooms should be available within two years. KFC will provide an interest subsidy for this. Kerala should become a health and education hub.

Shashi Tharoor MP, Planning Board Santhosh George Kulangara, former CEO of Technopark G.Vijayaraghavan and President of Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry S.N.Raghuchandran Nair spoke at the event. Kerala Kaumudi Associate Editor V.S. Rajesh delivered the introductory speech.