LDF Govt to hold talks with DIC for 'Smart City' project

Thiruvananthapuram, July 26 (UNI) Putting an end to uncertainity, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government in Kerala today decided to hold negotiations with the Dubai Internet City (DIC) for the proposed Smart City project at Kochi on revised terms and conditions.

Briefing newspersons here, after a meeting of the State Cabinet, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said DIC representatives would hold talks with government officials on August three and four.

''We have already made our stand clear that the conditions agreed by the previous Oommen Chandy government are not acceptable to us,'' he added.

The Infopark, which the previous government had agreed to hand over to the DIC as part of the deal, would remain with the Government. Similarly, the provisions for giving land free of cost and restrictions on running IT Park in Kochi by the Government would not be accepted.

Asked if the government would invite global tender in view of the interest shown by other companies to invest in the project, Mr Achuthanandan said a decision would be taken after assessing the approach of the DIC.

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