THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is aiming creation of New Kerala by touching all sectors of the state, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while inaugurating a three-day seminar organised by senate chamber on the subject ‘Reorganization of Kerala economy - An alternative viewpoint’.

A sustainable, natural and financially stable new Kerala has to be rebuild again. Economy, agriculture, health, education, housing, power and transport sectors include in that. The role of NRE deposits in Kerala's economy is very big. However, immigration is restricted due to the attitude in the policies of Gulf countries. So the flow of economy to Kerala has also decreased. This has adversely affected the economy. The increase in the number of Gulf returnees trigger concern. So, opportunities should be given for investment and entrepreneurship in certain areas. As part of this, steps are being taken to raise funds from them. Kerala should not change as a state depending mainly on job opportunities abroad. New job opportunities should be guaranteed here. The chief minister also directed that the technical sector should go further to ensure that there are enough opportunities for the youth seeking employment each year.

The tourism sector cannot be ignored when reorganising economy. 10% of Kerala’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) comes from tourism. Many tourism centres exist in the ecologically fragile area and therefore it should be eco- friendly. The education centre should change periodically. Renaissance values will become a part of the curriculum. Although the activities of the health sector is a model globally, it need to go further. Science and IT skills should be utilised for human development and social benefits. An industrial atmosphere should be arranged.

Former planning board vice-chairman Prabhat Patnaik, Kerala University vice-chancellor Dr V P Mahadevan Pillai, economics department chief Abdul Salim and many others attended the function.