A simple step to attract industries to Kerala

Kerala is known as a state, where everything is bought from outside. For this to change the number of industries must increase in the state. Unfortunately, the rate of growth of industries here is low, when compared to other states, due to certain socio-political reasons. We need more entrepreneurs who are willing to make huge investments in Kerala to kick-start industrialization. Even though there are many individuals who have the capacity for such investments, their investments are mainly in the health, education, and retail sector. No one is willing to invest in big industries in the state.

Our state failed to attract big investments since the time of its formation. Anyway, there is no use in finding the reasons for our failures in the past. Instead, let us think about how we can bring more investments into the state. Industries Minister, P Rajeev’s new industrial policy is a step in the right direction.

One of the main hindrances to the growth of industries here is the lack of land availability. Reclassification of land was allowed only recently. Though it is free for less than 25 cents holdings, the fees for reclassifying land above 25 cents are huge. Investors will naturally think of going to other states, where they can get acres of land for a small amount.

The draft of the new industrial policy proposes 50% off to reclassify lands for industrial purposes. In addition, fees on the area of the building that will be built on the reclassified land are avoided. For this, a meeting will be conveyed with the revenue, registration, and finance departments.

The real issue that bogs an investor is going to different departments for permissions and approvals. Bribes must also be given to officials in these departments to get things done.

Even if there is single-window clearance, the fact is that an investor has to go to each and every department be it local self-government, revenue, finance, registration, KSEB, water authority, etc. If the industrial department can do away with all these complexities, investors can be easily attracted.

A nodal officer can be appointed at the industrial department to get permissions and other approvals from different departments. If the cooperation of all the departments can be realized by the nodal officer through the industrial department, then an investor can be free of tensions.

This is the first step to attracting investments to our state.