THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister P Rajeev said that Kerala is making a new history in the field of industry and if this situation continues, it will reach world standards within 15 years. He was inaugurating the Infra, Investment and Business Conclave organised by Kaumudy TV at Hotel O by Tamara.

"Many people believed that even if the sun rises in the west, it is impossible for Kerala to be number one in industrial friendliness. But it was done. Kerala topped the ease of doing business. Kerala ranks first in the industry-friendly environment. To start a business with less than Rs 50 crore, it takes just a minute to register on K Swift. You just have to get a license within three and a half years. A law has also been passed to impose penalties on erring officials in connection with granting permission to industries. There is a rule in Kerala that if you apply along with all the documents, a licence has to be issued within seven days. There was a situation where the headquarters of an industrial establishment, which had complained about lightning inspection, was shifted out of Kerala. It was checked to see if any of the issues raised by them needed to be resolved. Inspections cannot be avoided. However, a centralised inspection system has been launched to avoid interference from officials. The software will decide who should conduct the inspection. The report should be uploaded within 48 hours of completion of the inspection. We will do everything possible to make Kerala industry-friendly. The minister added that this mission of Kerala Kaumudi, which has set an example for other media, should continue.

Kerala Kaumudi's gift was presented to Minister P Rajeev by General Manager of Marketing Shiraz Jalal and Minister K Rajan was presented by Marketing General Manager Sudheer Kumar.