The Hindu Business Line : `Growth of Kerala depends on political will'

THE successful implementation of the 10 missions spelt out by the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, which could steer the State to economic prosperity, would depend on the exercise of a political will, according to Mr N. Sreekumar, President, Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking to Business Line, Mr Sreekumar said that as far as the development of the State was concerned, both the ruling and opposition parties should have to unite lest "their activities should become a hindrance to development". They should draw inspiration from other States, which are clear example of how the parties unite for the overall economic development of the State.

According to Mr Sreekumar, "politicisation of everything is not in the interest of the State". There is a change, of late, in the attitude of the labour force in the State but that is yet to become visible because of political problems. Hence, transcending political expediency the politicians should accord top priority to the common development of the State, he said.

The Thiruvananthapuram Technopark was the first to be set up in the country. While those came after it have gone far ahead, the technopark is still where it was years ago. The reasons for such a slow pace of growth needs to be analysed and rectified. "In fact, there is a feeling that 24x7x365 feasibility is not available in the State in the IT sector." Citing the example of West Bengal where even on hartal-days vehicles having a sticker of `IT' is not stopped by the strikers, he said, "We should also adopt that kind of development-oriented attitude". Given the availability of skilled manpower, excellent submarine cable/satellite connectivity and favourable geographical and climatic conditions in the State several companies would prefer to come if a suitable environment is created, he pointed out.

The tourism sector despite being the highly potential sector in the State there doesn't seem to exist a comprehensive master plan, he said. Development of infrastructure suitably to boost tourism is yet to take place. Road connectivity to various tourist spots, be it general, spiritual, health and science, is most important and it has to be in existence at the first place. But, unfortunately accessibility to many spots, even to Kumarakom from Kottayam, continues to remain difficult for want of good roads.

Therefore, facilitating smooth travel to the tourist destinations should acquire prime importance, he said. Construction of helipads in important locations could be an added attraction.

Kerala is the land of temples, churches and mosques, which are ancient and old and could be centres of attraction. People who are religious and having inclination towards spiritualism could travel to these places.

Besides, he said, health tourism need not be confined to Ayurveda. The super-speciality hospitals in the State would attract people from outside. Keeping all these factors, the Government, as a facilitator, should come forward to develop the necessary infra- structure, he said.

Another important thing, which is conspicuous by its absence, is the signboards on the national and State highways and other and important thoroughfares, he said. As also, there are no public urinals/ toilets en route for the tourists travelling by road. "These things though look minor issues have got importance when it comes to international standards," he pointed out. Another significant factor is the attitude of the people towards the tourists.

Development and proper maintenance of the "smart water-ways", as the President called it, would benefit the State a lot both in tourism and cargo movement. Much has been talked about it but what has been done so far does not seem to be to the required levels. All these indicate lack of co-ordination and commitment.

Thus, all the 10 missions listed out by the President, which Kerala could undertake using its core competence, if timely implemented with commitment would take the State far ahead in growth and prosperity, he said.

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