Density of population is high in Kerala. So land for development is a problem for the government and investors. To make land available for genuine industrialists, we are trying to put an end to the land mafia that has been working in the state for some time now.

Strict legislations are in the pipeline to control this mafia. An example was the Munnar operation, where we acquired thousands of acres of illegally occupied land. This process will continue. While the Centre is closing and divesting public sector industries, in Kerala, we reopened many of the closed PSUs. Fifteen loss-making industries have seen a turnaround.

Information Technology is another sector that the government is working on. Given the talent of the Kerala youth, we believe we can do more. In the last two years, 41 new IT companies have come to Kerala. Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are being developed as the foremost IT locations in the region. About two lakh jobs will be provided in the next three years in the IT sector. The Smart City project is a major achievement of this government. More IT parks are coming up in Thrissur, Kollam and Alappuzha. The state’s software exports crossed Rs 1,200 crore this year.

We are also working on improving basic infrastructure in the state. Work on the Vizhinjam ship container will begin soon. The government has entrusted a consortium led by Hyderabad-based Lanco Kondapalli Power Pvt Ltd with the Rs 5,348 crore project. The Vallarpadom project is also moving fast after obtaining the environmental clearance. With these projects, Kerala will be a destination for international trade and commerce, thanks to our natural ports.

... contd.