Tuesday, Dec 24, 2002
Tuesday, Dec 24, 2002 |
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Kerala
By Our Special Correspondent
The Industry Minister, P.K. Kunhalikutty, would also convene a meeting of parties which have representation in the Assembly. The major effort of these two exercises would be to clear the misunderstanding that has cropped up in relation to the conduct of the meet, one of the most prestigious development initiatives of the Antony Government, besides creating an industrial-friendly atmosphere by taking all political parties into confidence. The decision to convene the meetings is the outcome of the UDF sub-committee session this morning, which was attended by the UDF convener, Oommen Chandy, Mr. Kunhalikutty, the Revenue Minister, K.M. Mani, the Agriculture Minister, K.R. Gauri, the Cooperation Minister, M.V. Raghavan, the RSP (B) leader, A.V. Thamarakshan, who is also the convener of the UDF panel on PSU disinvestment, and the Education Minister, Nalakath Soopy. At a press conference today, attended by all the panel members, Mr. Chandy made it clear that the Global Investors Meet was not meant for privatising profit-making public undertakings and permit uncontrolled entry of multinationals. He categorically stated that the meet was intended to promote industrial investments from non-resident Indians and noted Indian business houses. He said that all parties, including the BJP, would be invited to the Chief Minister's conference. The Government would make an attempt o clear all doubts about the various projects to be posed for investments at the meet. The UDF has also urged youth organisations to support the meet initiatives as the projects would generate employment opportunities, which could be in leaps and bounds, compared to the employment opportunities in the Government sector. The Opposition LDF had raised serious doubts about the Kochi Industrial Water Supply project, one of the important investment proposals likely to be discussed threadbare at the GIM. "We are ready for discussions prior to taking a decision on this,'' said Mr. Kunhalikutty. The project had been initially proposed by the LDF Government. Kochi was facing severe water shortage, owing to the overdependence of all sections, including industry, on the existing water supply lines. A large number of industrial units were meeting their water requirements by shipping it in barges. The proposed industrial water supply project would relieve the existing drinking water supply lines, by making water available to the industrial establishments. This would in fact improve the drinking water supply in Kochi city, Mr. Kunhalikutty said. The Industry Minister said the project once commissioned would utilise only two per cent of the resources. Besides, steps would be taken to ensure State control over water resources. He said that the project would earn Rs. 17 crores annually and would be shared equally by the Kerala Water Authority and the Government. The UDF leaders said the allegation that the investors meet was being promoted at the cost of traditional industries was totally baseless. The Minister said the traditional sector would be strengthened. Mr. Mani said that only those industries suitable for Kerala would be promoted. The leaders said the committee was satisfied with the preparations for the meet.
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