THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Private industrial parks will be started in all districts of the state this year to bring in more investment and employment opportunities in the industrial sector. Eight of these parks have been approved in five districts. Pathanamthitta (Chittar, Adoor), Kottayam (Moonnilavu, Meenachil, Kanjirapally), Palakkad (Ambalappara), Malappuram (Tirur), Kannur (Pariyaram). An investment of Rs 350 crore and around 4500 jobs are expected from this. The first park was inaugurated in Pathanamthitta.

In the first phase, the enterprises starting will be related to agriculture-based industry, pharmaceuticals, food processing, coir and rubber products. The scheme announced by the first Pinarayi government was implemented after this government came to power. Small business groups, cooperatives and charitable societies having ten acres or more land can apply.

An application should be submitted to the Director of Industry and Commerce. Industry, Revenue and Finance Department Secretary-level high Ccommittee will check and issue developer permit. All permissions will be available through single window system.

For basic facilities like electricity, water, transport facility, drainage and waste disposal, financial assistance will be provided in the order of Rs 30 lakh per acre of land up to Rs 3 crore.