With a view to developing the State as a prime industrial hub and luring potential investors, the State government has decided to give a big push to private industrial estates.
The draft industrial policy 2017, released by Industries Minister A.C. Moideen here on Friday, said that due encouragement would be given to private industrial estates on condition that the land acquired for industrial purposes should not be diverted for other purposes.
Industrial parks
The policy extended patronage to public sector undertakings, traditional industries and promoted private entrepreneurship and public-private-partnership (PPP) model. Industrial parks have been envisaged in PPP model and the policy offers to provide power, water, road and other facilities on priority basis.
Industrial corridors comprising special economic zones have been mooted by the side of National and State Highways and the investors would be exempted from stamp duty and registration fees. Environment infrastructure subsidy would be given to units that set up effluent treatment plant and hazardous waste treatment storage and disposal facility.
Keeping in line with LDF manifesto, it specifies that mineral sand-mining would be retained in the public sector itself. The Industries Department would work in unison with local self-government institutions and utilise their land for developing industrial infrastructure for entrepreneurs. A pragmatic water utilisation plan has been spelt out for industrial units.
Project clearance procedures have been eased and an online system mooted to issue all licences in 30 days on submitting an application. On failing to honour the deadline, it would be deemed as issued.
Textile parks have been planned in Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram. The parks would be a blend of the traditional and modern techniques. Due thrust would be given for electronics, biotechnology, and nano technology.
An international furniture hub and furniture clusters have been mooted for strengthening wood processing and also bringing together the unorganised furniture manufacturers. A special support mechanism has been envisaged for reviving sick industrial units. The policy also offers support to micro, small and medium enterprises and development of industrial clusters. PSUs would be made to manufacture products needed by government departments.
