surya
January 11, 2024
Kerala’s industrial landscape is undergoing a significant change as the state government introduces a new approach to industrial parks. This innovative initiative empowers individual developers to establish industrial parks, fueling economic growth and propelling the state forward. Join us as we take a closer look at this pioneering scheme, backed by compelling data and insights, and explore its potential to transform Kerala’s industrial sector.
Kerala’s industrial sector is poised for a paradigm shift, one that promises to reshape its growth trajectory and redefine its economic potential. The state government’s recent announcement marks a pivotal moment – the expansion of the Private Industrial Estate (PIE) scheme. This new chapter ushers individual developers onto the stage, setting the scene for an era of innovation and progress.
Historically, the PIE scheme was tailored to accommodate companies, cooperatives, and consortia of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) units. However, the revised policy script tells a different story. Individual developers, armed with a minimum of 10 acres of land, can now play a crucial role in the creation of industrial parks. This inclusive approach not only broadens the spectrum of contributors but also infuses a fresh burst of creativity into Kerala’s industrial landscape.
The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) highlights that this policy shift is a direct response to the need for robust industrial infrastructure. It reflects a call to action, inviting both established and emerging developers to contribute their vision and expertise to the state’s growth trajectory.
At the heart of any thriving industrial hub lies a foundation of robust infrastructure. Acknowledging this, the reimagined PIE scheme introduces a powerful incentive for individual developers. The Department of Industries and Commerce (DIC) is poised to extend grants, up to Rs 3 crore per developer, to facilitate the establishment of essential infrastructure within private industrial parks. These grants, acting as financial catalysts, are earmarked for critical components such as roads, electricity, water supply, sewage and effluent treatment plants, and communication networks.
Beyond the monetary relief, this injection of funds accelerates the pace of project realization. As the momentum builds, the vision is set – to witness a total of 25 private industrial parks flourishing within Kerala by the end of the current fiscal year, 2023-24.
The government of Kerala is committed to nurturing an environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth. Their sights are set on an audacious target – the creation of 100 private industrial parks spanning a vast 1,000 acres over the next four years.
To qualify for a developer permit, the proposed land for the industrial park must meet specific standards. Notably, it should not fall under the purview of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act 2008, safeguarding crucial ecological assets. Additionally, the land should be free from ecologically sensitive designations, coastal regulation zones, or designated plantation areas.
Furthermore, the policy underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility. Industrial sectors designated as ‘red category’ by the Kerala Pollution Control Board will not find a place within these industrial parks. This emphasis on sustainable industrial practices underscores Kerala’s dedication to striking a balance between development and ecological preservation.
Aspiring developers can seamlessly submit their applications online, igniting the process. A District-Level Site Selection Committee steps in, meticulously evaluating the proposed plot. This rigorous evaluation culminates in a comprehensive report, which then advances to the State-Level Selection Committee for review. Upon approval, the coveted developer permit is granted, signifying the start of an exciting journey toward establishing a vibrant industrial park.
With the developer permit secured, a two-year timeline awaits for the comprehensive development of the industrial park. This timeline underscores the government’s commitment to prompt project execution, ensuring that the momentum of progress remains undeterred.
As Kerala readies itself to embrace this transformative narrative, a future ripe with possibilities emerges. The decision to empower individual developers to establish industrial parks heralds an era characterized by inclusivity, innovation, and economic growth. Through strategic policy shifts and united efforts, the state stands poised to steer its course toward a vibrant and industrious future.
Kerala’s industrial resurgence, anchored by the establishment of private industrial parks, beckons entrepreneurs, developers, and investors alike. This new dawn invites collective action, fostering a collaborative ecosystem where innovation thrives and economic prosperity takes center stage. The stage is set, the vision is bold, and the opportunities are boundless all that remains is for us to keep moving forward on this journey together.