State budget has several positives: GTech

Group of Technology companies (GTech), the industry body of the IT companies in Kerala, compliments the State Government for presenting a focussed and balanced financial budget “The budget has several positives and highlights the priorities of the Government. Specific projects have been mentioned and earmarked budgetary outlay. This is significant and sends out the signal that the Government is earnest in completing specific big ticket investments in a time bound manner. However, a lot more could have been done for road development. The amount set aside for this critical infrastructure would not be sufficient for a much needed initiative like a North-South corridor” says Mr. V K Mathews, GTech Chairman and Executive Chairman of IBS Group.

GTech welcomes the proposal of the state government to invest in the infrastructure needs of the IT industry in the cities of Thiruvanthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. “IT industry has the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the state, and any support renderd to it will be received with both hands” says Anoop Ambika, Secretary GTech.

The move to bring the Policies handled by all the departments under one umbrella is indeed a laudable move and is something that will go a long way in ensuring effective inter-departmental co-ordination and faster decision making.

GTech appreciates the Finance Minister’s bold steps on addressing social issues like making the state garbage free, self employment & entrepreneurship programme, pension for marginal farmers over the age of 60 and health insurance for all school going children. On the economic front too, the Government has made significant fund allocations, notably for the development of the state capital and development of industrial parks. Specific projects have been mentioned and budgets allocated against each. These include Kochi Metro, Kannur Airport, Vizinjam Port and Smart City. The organization of the investor meet ‘Emerging Kerala’ event would be a significant step in creating a platform for attracting investments into the state.

GTech also welcomes the proposal of the state government to create a high impact ‘Brand Kerala Campaign’. Such a campaign would help the state government and the industry to come together to showcase Kerala as an important investment destination in the country.