The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), the agency driving the flourishing startup ecosystem in the State, has found the allocation of ₹80 crore in the State Budget substantial. Incidentally, the agency had sought an allocation of around ₹90 crore and it was almost fully met by the Finance Minister.
The decision to invest in shares of start-ups with great potential was another positive development. “It started in the last Budget, and this one is taking it forward,” said KSUM CEO Saji Gopinath. Infopark Kochi and its spokes at Cherthala and Koratty will benefit from the allocation of ₹67 crore in the Budget. While the proposed electronic hardware park found mention in the Budget, there was no specific allocation.
Kochi metro
The Budget declared that land for the proposed integrated water transport project would be acquired this year. Besides, recharging stations for battery-operated autorickshaws meant for the Kochi metro feeder services will be opened.
The destruction caused by Cyclone Ockhi seems to have driven home some valuable lessons as the Budget proposed emergency measures at Edavanakkad and Chellanam as safeguards against sea erosion. The coastal areas of the district will also benefit from coastal investments to the tune of ₹900 to be made out of KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board). Aluva will get one of the 10 de-addiction centres proposed under project ‘Vimukthi’.
