'Unwanted controversies a major roadblock'

Minister for Industries P K Kunhalikutty has said that inclusive growth, along with people participation, is the cornerstone of the state government’s development policy. 

He was inaugurating a session at the Infrastructure Conference here on Friday. He added that unwanted controversies are a major roadblock for the construction activities in the state.

“The main criticism against the development of Gujarat is that it is not inclusive. But in Kerala, the government is committed to include the  deprived sections of society as  beneficiaries of development projects. Land acquisition and fund crunches are the major challenges faced by the state in this regard. The government alone cannot do anything substantial, and hence private participation in the sector along with the active involvement of the people is needed,” the minister said.

Stressing the need for private participation in waste-management projects, the minister added that efficient waste management can only be done with the application of technology.“Efficient technology can only be brought in with private participation.”

While delivering the presidential address, Excise Minister K Babu said that the state government is taking steps to start coastal shipping in the state.

“We are planning to integrate small ports to facilitate cargo movement. When it comes to coastal shipping, the removal of stake nets is the major roadblock. The government is seriously looking at  providing compensation for the removal of nets and has decided to give `1 as subsidy for moving a tonne of cargo per kilometre. The Department of Ports is also thinking of giving subsidies.”

Ministers Anoop Jacob, Manjalamkuzhi Ali,  A P M Mohammed Hanish, managing director, Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd; C Kandasamy, director general, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth; NABARD chief general manager R Amalorpavanathan; and KSTP project director K Joseph Mathew attended the function.