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The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Infrastructure gaps delay liquor service at Infopark Kochi despite Kerala's new permit rule
The Infopark Kochi campus is unlikely to serve liquor anytime soon, despite the Kerala government permitting it in government-controlled or owned Information Technology (IT) Parks, due to infrastructure shortcomings. Last week, the Kerala government notified the Foreign Liquor (5th Amendment) Rules, inserting a provision for the issuance of Foreign Liquor Information Technology Park Licence with an annual fee of ₹10 lakh to developers of IT parks. The beneficiaries include government-controlled/owned IT parks such as Techno Park, Info Park, Cyber Park, and parks operating on public-private partnership, such as SmartCity Kochi and Private Information Technology/Information Technology Enabled Services Parks. Only developers and not individual companies will be granted licences. Susanth Kurunthil, CEO of Infopark Kochi, told The Hindu that the campus has no land or separate building to spare to set up or operate licensed premises in either Infopark Phase I or Phase II in compliance with the licence provisions. 'We already have a long list of around 120 companies waiting for space on our campus. Our priority would be to set up IT buildings even if we were to find land,' he said. Among the 28 conditions set for the issuance of licence to developers is that 'the licensed premises should be a separate area inside the Information Technology Park premises, other than office space. The licensed room should have an independent entry and exit, other than the normal entry and exit of the connected organisation, of which the licensed premises may physically be a part.' Anish Panthalani, president of Progressive Techies, a combine of IT employees, agreed that space constraint was indeed an issue on the Infopark campus. 'Both the State government and Infopark Kochi have proposed a third phase for the IT park. The proposed licensed premises can be executed only if that materialises,' he said. Mr. Panthalani said serving liquor within the IT park premises will only 'improve' Kerala's profile as a preferred IT destination. 'Companies are facing difficulty in attracting quality hands here because of the limited avenues for leisure time activities, unlike in other IT destinations such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad or Noida. It also enables companies to host guests, including international clients, in a favourable ambience amongst like-minded social drinkers, since the facilities within the park would be inaccessible to the public,' he said. As per the notification, the licensed premises will be accessible 'only to the staff working in the Information Technology Parks and the official visitors/guests of the companies functioning in the Technology Park who shall have authorisation from the authority concerned in the Information Technology Park.'
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Techie cultural fest Tarang begins at Infopark
Kochi: Taking a break from their desktops, tight schedules, and deadlines, techies in the state are enjoying a cultural break at the all-Kerala techies Kalolsavam 'Tarang' in Infopark, Kochi, from Monday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now More than 5,000 competitors from over 300 companies are participating in the third edition of Tarang, the fortnight-long cultural fest. The fest was inaugurated on Monday by industries minister P Rajeeve, who stressed the need for cultural get-togethers. "Such events strengthen personal relationships and reduce work pressure. The govt is trying to create quality jobs and a work environment in Kerala," he said. Organised jointly by Progressive Techies and Infopark, Tuesday saw competitions such as folk songs, story writing, mehndi art, and T-shirt painting held at various venues. After the results of the first day's competitions were announced, Key Value Software Systems was leading with 80 points. Inviser and Wipro were tied for second place with 40 points each. On the third day of the festival, Wednesday, competitions in light music, Sopana music, Kathakali music, group instrumental music, patriotic songs, and poetry writing will be held across three venues. Infopark CEO Susanth Kurunthil said Malayalis and art festivals continue to share a unique bond no matter the circumstance. The festival began with a procession of contestants and artists from various companies. A flash mob in the courtyard of the Vismaya building, which hosted the inaugural ceremony, added to the excitement. Some employees, dressed in costumes inspired by certain movies and their characters, particularly entertained the crowd. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chenda Melam, Kavadi, and band-melam of various groups heightened the festive atmosphere. The procession, which started from the Vismaya and ended at the Athulya building through the main gate of Infopark, was joined by special guests: film actor Vinay Forrt and singer Hesham Abdul Wahab. Present on the occasion were Progressive Techies President Anish Panthalani, Thrikkakara Municipality Vice-Chairman Abdu Shana, and sponsors of the event. They handed over a cheque for Rs 8,69,816 for Rebuild Wayanad, collected from Infopark for financial assistance to those who lost their homes in the Wayanad disaster. The fortnight-long cultural fest will be held in various venues and conclude on May 9 MSID:: 120522353 413 |
