The Hindu Business Line : Enterprises reforms panel to be stalled

THE State Government has decided to suspend the functioning of Enterprises Reforms Committee (ERC), which was set up for restructuring the public sector undertakings.

In his address to the State Assembly on Thursday, the Governor, Mr R.L. Bhatia, said that this was being done considering that the Cabinet had already constituted a sub-committee to review the restructuring of the PSUs. The Government will now provide the required funds to the PSUs to continue operations.

He said the Government would intensify the efforts to extend dynamic support for investments in the State by providing quality infrastructure and hassle-free clearances. The major projects on which visible progress is expected during the coming year are the LNG project in Kochi, natural gas pipeline project of GAIL, Kochi Fashion City and a petrochemicals complex.

The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) has initiated action for establishing a biotechnology park with a technology incubation zone in Kochi as also an animation industry building and school at the Film and Video Park in Thiruvananthapuram. Kinfra will also set up an international exhibition and trade centre in Kochi with private participation.

In the information technology sector, the Government expects the inflow of investments to increase significantly in the coming year with the completion of the first phase of the Infopark in Kochi and the commencement of the work on the IT Corridor in Thiruvananthapuram.

As part of the efforts to build a global business environment for the IT industry, the Government is actively considering a proposal to establish an integrated IT township in Kochi with international participation. As a result of these initiatives, the exports and employment in the IT sector are expected to double in the coming years.

The "Akshaya Project'', which was successfully implemented in Malappuram district, will be spread to seven more districts. It is proposed to set up a network of over 2,500 Internet kiosks, which will generate direct employment for over 7,000 persons and commensurate indirect employment in these districts.

In the power sector, a pilot project is proposed to be taken up for the complete electrification of the hill panchayats of four taluks in the hill districts. The Kuttiadi Augmentation Scheme, which was held up for over two decades, is scheduled to be commissioned in the coming year, adding 223 million units of generation potential.

Besides, urgent steps will be taken to complete Malankara hydel project, Meenmutty hydel project and Kuttiyar diversion scheme during 2005-06.The works on Pallivasal extension scheme and six small hydel projects will also be commissioned during this period.

In the ports sector, efforts to develop a deep-water international container transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam are progressing well. The Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with a private investor for development of a recreational harbour (Marina) at Alappuzha. It also intends to invite fresh proposals for the development of Azhikkal port in Kannur in the private sector.

The Kerala Tourism will extend its marketing efforts to new regions such as South-East Asian countries and the US. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation will start new hotel projects at Alappuzha and Kannur.

The Government is planning to come out with an "Organic Farming Policy" to promote organic farming in the State. In order to free local farmers from the clutches of middlemen and traders and to implement direct marketing, a "Marketing Bill" will be introduced.

It is also proposed to set up agri-export zones for spices, medicinal plants and floriculture with assistance from the Union Government. A "State Horticultural Mission" is another proposal on the anvil.

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