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Kerala Government spurs private industrial park development with new policy

In a concerted push to foster the development of private industrial parks, the Kerala government has taken a significant stride, opening doors for individual developers possessing a minimum of 10 acres of land to apply for permits. This move marks an expansion of the Private Industrial Estate (PIE) scheme, previously confined to companies, cooperatives, and consortia of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The revised policy offers a substantial boost to these developers by providing financial backing of up to Rs 3 crore. This capital injection is geared towards the creation of essential infrastructure within the prospective industrial parks, encompassing vital components such as sewage and effluent treatment plants, communication networks, and other necessary amenities.

Already demonstrating its commitment to private industrial park development, the Kerala government has granted permits to eight individual developers, while an additional 20 applications are currently undergoing evaluation and processing. This proactive stance underlines the state's determination to invigorate industrial growth and infrastructure enhancement. The pivotal role of the Department of Industries and Commerce (DIC) in extending financial support bolsters the prospects of these projects, signalling a strong governmental commitment to facilitating economic progress and job creation.

The strategic expansion plan envisions the operationalization of two private industrial parks within the current year, with a more comprehensive objective of establishing 25 such parks by the culmination of the ongoing financial year. Looking ahead, the government's ambitious vision aims even higher, aspiring to establish a remarkable total of 100 private industrial parks, covering an expansive 1,000 acres of land, over the course of the next four years. This robust target underscores the state's resolve to create a vibrant and conducive environment for industrial development.

However, this privilege of developer permits comes with a set of carefully delineated conditions. The proposed land earmarked for the industrial park must not be subject to specific land conservation acts, ecologically sensitive designations, coastal regulation zones, or plantation areas. Further streamlining the endeavour, industries categorized as "red" by the Kerala Pollution Control Board are expressly prohibited from operating within these parks. This rigorous scrutiny ensures that the development aligns with environmentally responsible practices and adheres to relevant regulatory frameworks.

The application process for developer permits follows a systematic and transparent approach. It commences with online submissions, followed by thorough inspections carried out by District-Level Site Selection Committees. Subsequently, these committees furnish comprehensive reports to the State-Level Selection Committee, which meticulously evaluates and grants developer permits based on merit and adherence to guidelines. Upon receiving the coveted permit, developers are entrusted with the responsibility to execute park development within a stipulated two-year timeframe.

The decision to expand the PIE scheme and accommodate individual developers signifies the Kerala government's proactive strategy to galvanize industrial growth and invigorate infrastructure development. By nurturing private industrial park initiatives through financial support and rigorous oversight, the state seeks to create an ecosystem conducive to sustainable economic expansion. This progressive approach reflects the government's vision of leveraging private enterprise to drive transformative change, ultimately fostering a thriving business environment and fuelling the aspirations of industries and entrepreneurs alike.

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