Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has highlighted the unprecedented achievements of Kerala’s IT sector during the LDF (Left Democratic Front) government’s rule, showcasing significant growth and progress. A comparison was drawn with the previous UDF (United Democratic Front) government led by Oommen Chandy.
Key Achievements
Under the LDF government’s leadership from 2016 to 2023, the IT exports from Kerala reached a remarkable value of Rs 85,540 crore, showcasing a substantial increase from the previous period (2011-2016) when it was Rs 34,123 crore. During the LDF tenure, a total of 62,000 jobs were created, in contrast to the earlier period which saw the creation of 26,000 jobs. Furthermore, the IT space in the state saw significant expansion, with an increase of 4,575,000 sq.ft during 2016-23 compared to 7,344,527 sq.ft.
Innovative Projects and Growth Strategies
The Chief Minister attributed the revival of the IT sector to innovative projects implemented by the LDF government, demonstrating strong determination and willpower. He emphasized that Kerala succeeded in attracting both national and international companies to its IT parks through effective marketing strategies and the provision of necessary infrastructure without any compromises.
Future Plans for IT Sector Excellence
The government is actively driving initiatives to further elevate the IT sector’s excellence. Plans are underway to establish 20 small IT parks based on 5G technology along the national highway from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram. In addition, the government has granted in-principle permission for the creation of IT spaces ranging from 5000 to 50,000 sq.ft in size, making use of the facilities provided by the three major IT parks. The acceleration of the Quad project, a mini township in Technocity, is also a priority.
Kerala’s Transition to a Knowledge Economy
The government’s vision aims to transform Kerala into a knowledge economy, recognizing the significance of the IT sector in providing enhanced employment opportunities for the educated youth of the state. The Technopark, initiated during the EK Nayanar government, marked the beginning of IT parks in India. The LDF government is committed to this developmental path, focusing on continuous energy and commitment to achieve these goals.
In conclusion, the achievements of previous LDF governments in the IT sector serve as a guide, and the current government is determined to build upon this foundation with a strong commitment to realizing the vision of a thriving knowledge economy in Kerala.
