LDF govt committed to revive PSUs

Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 (UNI) The new Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala expressed its commitment to reviving viable Public Sector Undertakings(PSUs) using measures like extending one-time assistance, technology upgradation, injection of fresh capital and improving the standards of governance.

Addressing the opening session of the 12th Assembly, Governor R L Bhatia said the CEOs would be selected solely on merit basis for which a selection committee would be constituted.

Recognising the need for providing world class and state-of-the- art infrastructure for rapid industrialisation in the state, he said the government proposed to float a Public Limited Company on the model of the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).

The overnment, along with the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and the Kerala Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA), would have substantial percentage of share holdings in the proposed company.

The government also aimed to tap the vast potential of Non-Resident Keralites to raise the balance share capital. The company would build quality infrastructure required to attract high-tech industries.

He said there were plans to set up a large food-processing park in Wynad district.

Mr Bhatia said the government proposed to create opportunities for value addition in the mineral sector.

Instead of exporting raw and unprocessed mineral sands for a very low value, steps would be taken to move up the value chain, he added.

More UNI PMM AJ LR RS1343