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The draft Industrial and Commercial Policy-2011 prepared by the Kerala Government lays stress on the development of services and commerce sector in the State.
Though the sector has been showing steady growth in recent times, its high potential for enterprise development and large-scale job creation has not been fully tapped. And, this is despite the fact that the sector's contribution to the State Gross Domestic Product has been higher than the manufacturing sector, says the draft.
In the event, the Government will give shape to a services-led growth strategy focussing on health, education, information technology, tourism, Ayurveda, logistics, transport, financial services, communication, retail, knowledge-based and non-polluting industries.
Besides, in order to ensure availability of skilled and efficient manpower for the sector, the Government will strive to introduce demand and market-driven curriculum in professional institutions. The setting up of an institute of retail management is also part of the programme.
SECTOR-SPECIFIC TRAINING
The establishment of sector-specific training centres in mission mode through public-private partnership is another initiative spelt out in the draft policy. Further, the Government will promote incubation centres in each sector/location for encouraging enterprises in innovative business models.The draft policy also underlines the importance and contribution of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector to the economic development of the State and charts a road map for its sustained development.
To begin with, the Government will promote new industrial parks with quality infrastructure like roads, power, water and waste management, among other things, and also upgrade the basic facilities in existing parks. Multi-storied industrial estates will be set up in all districts with priority allotment to micro and small-scale enterprises.
Tariff Hike Protection
The new micro and small-scale units will be provided protection from power tariff hikes for a period of three years from the date of commencement of commercial production. A new scheme for providing equity assistance to new units in place of state investment subsidy and margin money loan scheme is also on the cards.
The exemption from payment of security deposit and price preference to MSMEs may be continued for a period of five years. The price preference given to small and medium enterprises in the matter of procurement by State public sector undertakings and local-self governments will be institutionalised.
The other initiatives by the Government for the development of the sector include introduction of a scheme for the rehabilitation of sick MSMEs; creation of a web-based portal to assist entrepreneurs and facilitate speedy and time-bound processing of all applications related to such units.
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