The Hindu Business Line : Kerala, Karnataka to forge ties in IT, tourism sectors

KERALA and Karnataka are looking to work together in information technology and tourism, which happen to be the two sunrise sectors, and both the State Governments have identified for targeted focus for future development.

Speaking during question hour in the Kerala Assembly, the State Industries Minister, Mr P.K. Kunhalikkutty, said he had discussions with the Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr S. M. Krishna, in this regard.

IT and tourism are areas where the two States could possibly cooperate in and mutually benefit from. The two sectors could be linked between themselves too, the Minister said.

Mr Krishna is expected to be in Thiruvananthapuram on August 1 in connection with the launch of the four-day biennial IT show, IT Kerala 2002.

Mr Kunhalikutty further said he had been able to convince IT professionals and related bodies in the US about the advantages that Kerala offered as an emerging destination for investment during his recent visit to that country.

As many as 50 companies had since shown keen interest in investing in the State. Three ITES companies had already sent in feelers, and one had signed the memorandum of understanding.

The State Government would be constantly following up on the response generated among investors and professionals in the State's IT sector, the Minister said.

Travancore Rayons: The Industries Minister later told the House that a Memorandum of Understanding had been entered into with an investor for reopening the public sector Travancore Rayons at Perumbavur.

The project could go on stream once the Finance and Electricity Departments gave the respective clearances. He was replying to a submission on the subject.

Hill Area Authority: The Finance Minister, Mr K. Sankaranarayanan, said the proposed Hill Area Development Authority would be constituted after September this year.

Replying to a calling attention motion, he said the Revenue Secretary, who is the Special Officer for the project, would submit his report on the matter in September. The Hill Area Development Authority will be launched as soon as the report is received. A sum of Rs 1 crore had already been provided in the Budget for 2002-03 for this project.

House adjourns again: The State Assembly adjourned for the third consecutive day following protests mounted by the Opposition over alleged irregularities in the use of tribal sub-plan fund.

Soon after zero hour, Opposition members raised the issue and reiterated the demand for a judicial enquiry keeping the Minister for Welfare of Backward Class and Scheduled Communities, Dr M. A. Kuttappan, out of office.

The members demanded a reply from the Government on the matter even as the speaker, Mr Vakkom Purushothaman, sought to move to the other business of the day.

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Kerala, Karnataka to forge ties in IT, tourism sectors