Emerging Kerala - 2012 : A sneak peek into the real facts

Emerging Kerala - 2012 concludes

Offering a sigh of relief to the Kerala Government and the Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy, Emerging Kerala - 2012 has concluded peacefully. Happy to note that the valedictory function didn't pave way for another set of 'fresh' controversies. Call it as a miracle or the grace of God. Because, Kerala, the most literate state in India, always competes in securing a prominent position for creating controversies. 

A climate for industrial revolution

The State Government calls it as the sign of change, while entrepreneurs across the globe term it as the sign of developing an investor-friendly culture in the state. According to sources, 45 projects worth Rs 40,000 crore proposed at Emerging Kerala. We will analyze about the benefits / drawbacks of these projects later. 

Poor organization triggered problems

From its inception, Emerging Kerala threw fresh controversies day-by-day. It was well evident that the organization of event was not up to the mark and it was the causative factor for several unwanted protests. The latest buzz is that the State Government is going to reward the top officials in the organizing committee for their outstanding work. Do they deserve reward / appreciation? Obviously, no is the answer. Because, several controversial projects (for example night life at Veli Tourist Village located at Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala) were presented sans proper homework and advise from eminent industry experts.    

Vigilant media, Comrade VS & public

When INKEL & KSIDC submitted anti-environment projects, our vigilant media especially news channels, Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan and public questioned the need of such projects.   We know Kerala is desperately looking for an industrial change. We should attract investors by showcasing our potential sectors not by selling our environment and culture. 

After the intervention of media and Comrade VS Achuthanandan, the government agencies were forced to remove the controversial projects from the list. However, the State Government failed to convince the locals about the credibility of Emerging Kerala. 

Proposed projects:

1) BPCL-Cochin refinery expansion and a joint venture project of Rs 18,000 crore

2) Volkswagen’s engine assembly unit with an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore

3) A hospital and pre-cast concrete structure manufacturing unit of Rs 570 crore 

4) A solar energy plant of Rs 500 crore

5) The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will set up a Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in the State.