Kerala to start five IT parks: Achuthanandan

Thiruvananthapuram, May 31: The Kerala Government will set up five IT parks at Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod districts in the State, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan informed today.

In a post-cabinet briefing here, he said the Cabinet approved the decision and the Revenue Department had identified land for the purpose.

Stating that the Revenue Department would hand over the land, ranging between 25 and 100 acres, to the IT department for the purpose, he said these parks would be under the purview of Special Economic Zone, if there was no dispute.

Mr Achuthanandan said a committee had been authorised to ensure that the land mafias did not misuse the lands.

The Cabinet had also given its approval to construct the Kannur airport on BOOT model. The State Government would have 26 per cent share in the new airport. The Government would select a construction company through a transparent bid, he added.

The Government would also start an Aqua Technology Park at Kadungallur in Ernakulam, as part of promoting ornamental fish farming, Mr Achuthanandan said, adding that Rs eight crore had been allotted for the purpose.

The Chief Minister said he had held discussions with the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court and Union Law Minister for finding an early solution to set up a High Court bench here. Lawyers had been agitating for the cause for a long time.

The Government also decided to increase Plus one seats by 20 per cent from this academic year, Mr Achuthanandan said.

The Chief Minister said the aided schools could enjoy their community and management quota from the enhanced seats.

UNI