Tuesday, August 15, 2006
An IIT Campus in Kerala
in Kerala. Most likely it is probably IIT Madras.
Chitta
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IIT agrees to set up centre in Kerala: CM
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 16. (PTI): The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has agreed in principle to set up a centre in Kerala with an investment of Rs 800 crore, Chief Minister V S A chuthanandan said here on Tuesday.
The centre, to come up on 200 acres of land, would give a boost to technical education in Kerala, Achuthanandan said in his Independence Day address at the central stadium here.
Stating that Kerala was in the process of improving infrastructure facilities, he said the hurdles in the implementation of the Vallarpadam International Container Terminal had been removed. Environment clearance from the Centre for road-connectivity for the project had already been obtained.
The Chief Minister said the Government has convened an all-party meeting here today to discuss the issues connected with the container terminal.
The State would continue to put pressure on the Centre for the developmnet of Azhikal Harbour and to ensure that the Kannur International Airport became a reality, he said.
Along with plans to develop infrastructure, the Government has also taken steps for the growth traditional industries like coir, handloom, fisheries and cashew, he said.
Since assuming power two months back, the LDF Government's priority has been to help farmers reeling under financial crisis and also families of farmers who had committed suicide.
The Government had already decided to waive off loans of farmers who committed suicide, he said, adding that the Centre has promised a 'Vidarbha' model package for farmers of Waynad, Palakkad and Kasargode.
On the recently-passed Kerala self-financing professional colleges bill, Achuthanandan said merit and social justice would become a reality in the higher education sector once clearance of the judiciary was obtained for the legislation.
On the Information Technology front, he said the Government proposed to generate two lakh jobs in the IT sector in the next five years. Steps had already been taken to expand the Techno Park here and the Info Park in Kochi.
Several IT companies have evinced interest in investing in Kerala and it was expected that 25,000 jobs would be available in two years in Info Park alone, he said.
The Government would protect the state's interests while providing all necessary support to IT investors, he added.
This was also an occasion for all to take a pledge to fight extremist elements and communal forces in the country, Achuthanandan said.
Earlier, Achuthanandan took the salute at an impressive parade by various organisations, including police, NCC, scouts and children from nearby schools.
The Chief Minister also presented medals to police officials on the occasion.
