Latest news with #YearofEnterprises'
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
State achieved holistic growth across all sectors: CM
The State has achieved comprehensive and inclusive development across all sectors under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. Addressing a district-level meet marking the fourth anniversary of the second LDF government here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister highlighted the transformative progress made since the LDF came to power in the State in 2016. Over the past nine years, the LDF ensured development across every major sector, creating new opportunities and strengthening infrastructure and institutions, he said. Highlighting the State's advancements in information technology, the Chief Minister said that the sector has seen remarkable growth, particularly appealing to the younger generation. 'The number of companies operating within the State's IT parks grew from 640 in 2016 to 1,106 in 2025. Job opportunities in the sector nearly doubled from 78,068 to 1,48,000 during the same period. Software exports saw an equally impressive jump, growing from ₹34,000 crore to ₹90,000 crore.' Knowledge economy Mr. Vijayan said that the State established many prestigious institutions and initiatives, which are models for the entire country. These include country's first Digital Science University, a Digital Science Park, the Kochi Water Metro, and the International Advanced Virology Institute. In addition, the State has launched an International Ayurveda Institute, a Genome Data Centre, a Medical Technology Consortium, Micro Bio-Nutraceuticals and three science parks aimed at positioning Kerala at the forefront of the knowledge economy. He noted that Kerala has emerged as India's most business-friendly State during this period. The government's 'Year of Enterprises' initiative helped facilitate the launch of 3.5 lakh new ventures. The Kochi investment meet led to the signing of investment agreements worth ₹1.5 lakh crore and efforts are under way to realise these commitments. In terms of social development, the Chief Minister said that Kerala has nearly eradicated extreme poverty. The State has constructed over 4.5 lakh houses and distributed more than four lakh land titles. Sectors such as public health, education, and agriculture have made significant strides. Delaying support However, the Chief Minister criticised the Union government for denying crucial support during times of crisis, including the floods of 2018. Despite offers of assistance from several foreign countries, the Union government refused to allow Kerala to accept international aid, he alleged. 'Infrastructure development, particularly roadworks under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), is progressing rapidly. Major road projects like the Thrissur–Kuttippuram and Kodungallur–Shoranur highways have shown significant advancement. A sum of ₹319 crore has been allocated for land acquisition related to the Coastal Highway project. KIIFB has also sanctioned ₹364.46 crore for infrastructure development in 66 schools.' The Chief Minister outlined numerous projects approved through KIIFB funding, including the Thrissur Zoological Park and its access road, a Translational Research Centre at the Veterinary University, Kurumali bridge construction, and development of public utilities such as crematoriums and water supply schemes in rural areas. He also listed sports infrastructure projects like the I.M. Vijayan Stadium, Chalakudy Indoor Stadium, and support for the Ollur Honey Park. Revenue and Housing Minister K. Rajan presided over the function. Public interaction There was a public interaction session where community representatives from diverse background, including business leaders, academics, artists, and tribal leaders, interacted with the Chief Minister, presenting suggestions and concerns for the State's development. The event also witnessed a poignant moment when Ardra, a young girl whose father underwent a life-saving liver transplant with ₹15 lakh in aid from the government's We Care scheme, presented a hand-drawn portrait of the Chief Minister. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu, Planning Board Vice-Chairperson V.K. Ramachandran, Thrissur Mayor M.K. Varghese, MLAs, District Collector Arjun Pandian, District Information Officer P.K. Velayudhan and others participated in the function.
India Today
08-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Centre denies travel permission to Kerala Health Minister for US university lecture
The Centre has denied travel permission to Kerala Health Minister Veena George, who was invited to speak at Johns Hopkins University in the United to her office, the minister had applied for political clearance three weeks ago but was informed of the denial just three days ahead of her planned isn't the first time Kerala ministers have faced travel blocks. In March, the Centre denied permission to Industries Minister P Rajeev and his team to attend a public administration conference in Washington, where they were scheduled to present Kerala's 'Year of Enterprises' Just days ago, George warned that Kerala could see a rise in dengue, rabies, and water-borne infections due to shifting climate patterns, and directed that a micro-level health action plan be finalised by May instructed local bodies to step up mosquito control efforts, identify high-risk areas and ensure timely interventions as per the state's health alert calendar. Emphasising accurate disease reporting, including by private hospitals, she cited the Public Health Act as a mandate for coordinated stressed vigilance against dengue and leptospirosis as well. 'Leptospirosis deaths often occur due to not being treated in the initial stage,' she said, urging those who come into contact with contaminated water to take prophylactic medication as advised by health workers. IN THIS STORY#Kerala
