Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12 (KNN) Kerala has to increase Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in order to provide jobs to around 50,000 people this year, said Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of the state.

Kerala, which is a consumer state, needs to manufacture more products within the state, said Vijayan urging the government officers at all levels - from village offices at the lower level to higher up in Secretariat here - to not create hurdles in the way for new investments.

“The government officers should change their attitude towards applications for setting up new units, be it a small unit or a big project,” Vijayan said.

“Our attitude should change and we should welcome these investments as they create new jobs for our youngsters,” said Vijayan, during his inaugural address of the day-long Ascend Kerala-2019, a government initiative to position Kerala as an investment hotspot, here. 

The Chief Minister also launched an online clearance mechanism to end delays and lethargy in approval of investments.

This will further ensure clearance to proposals within 30 days of application.

The online system K-SWIFT (Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast, Transparent Clearances) is a cutting-edge software application that simplifies and speeds up approval of clearances from departments and agencies looking to launch enterprises in the state.

Vijayan said 30 days after submitting an application for new unit, the entrepreneur can go ahead with the plan if he does not get a response. This period may be reduced to even 15 days in future.    

The CM also launched an ‘Invest Kerala Guide’ brought out by the Department of Industries and Commerce, which is a key organizer of the day-long event that seeks to boost East of Doing Business.

Industry Minister, E P Jayarajan said Ascend Kerala 2019 was part of the government’s efforts to form an industry network in the state.

Pointing out that a “new era” has dawned upon Kerala’s industry sector; he said any delay in taking steps in the online applications would attract serious steps against the departments and officials.

“Specific industrial parks will be set up in private and public sector as per the types of industry. In rural areas, the area limit will be 25 acres. The urban parks will have 15 acres,” he added.

The Minister revealed that around 36,000 MSME units have been established in the state within its two-and-a-half years, generating 1,24,000 jobs. (KNN Bureau)