Kerala has attracted nearly Rs 12,000 crores in investments from approximately 300 entrepreneurs, each contributing Rs 5 crores or more over the last three years, said Minister for Industries, Law, and Coir Shri P. Rajeeve. Speaking at the 'Conclave on Continuing Investments', organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and the Department of Industries & Commerce, Rajeeve emphasized the state’s industry-friendly climate.
Among the investors, 30 contributed Rs 50 crore or more each. To further encourage investment, the government is establishing investment facilitation centers at the taluk level, aiming to streamline bureaucratic processes and expedite issue resolution. Rajeeve also announced a new system allowing investors to provide monthly updates on their projects, including photos.
The Ministry of Industry’s initiatives have led to 2.6 lakh investment projects, with small-scale industries alone raising Rs 16,000 crore and creating 5.5 lakh jobs. Highlighting incentives, Rajeeve mentioned that for investments over Rs 100 crore, only 10% of the lease amount needs to be paid initially, with the remainder due over nine years after a two-year moratorium. For investments between Rs 50 crore and Rs 100 crore, 20% is due upfront, with the balance payable in five installments. For investments below Rs 50 crore, 20% is due in the first year, with the rest spread over five years.
The minister also announced that industrial parks will permit sub-leasing for high-rise or logistics investments. With strong interest in campus industrial parks, 80 higher education institutions have applied to establish ventures, and 27 private sector industrial parks have been approved.
Rajeeve called for the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) to offer online solutions for investor complaints and mentioned that investors with valid documents would receive a composite license within seven days, allowing businesses with Rs 50 crore or more in investments to operate without a license for three years.
Principal Secretary (Industries) Shri. A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, KSIDC Managing Director Shri. S. Harikishore, KSIDC Chairman Shri. Paul Antony, CII representative Shri. Navas Meeran, and FICCI Co-Chairman (Kerala State Council) Shri. Deepak Aswani, KSSIA President Shri. A. Nizarudeen, KINFRA Managing Director Shri. Santhosh Koshy Thomas, KSIDC Executive Director Shri. Harikrishnan R., and DIC Additional Director Shri. Dr. Kripakumar K.S. also attended the event.
