THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor H R Bharadwaj on Thursday announced various development projects for different sectors in his customary annual address to the Assembly.
A major new World Bank-aided development project covering all municipalities and grama panchayats with an outlay of over $ 200 million will be implemented. Hundred per cent procurement of paddy produced in the state by Supplyco is a major boost to the agricultural sector.
A new model of public-private-panchayat partnership (PPPP) for infrastructure development will be adopted. Trade and Commerce Zones will be established in the near surrounding of major cities. KINFRA is planning to set up an Aerotropolis in Kozhikode as well as a new Mega Food Park.
In tune with the national Food Processing Policy, a State Food Processing Mission will be set up with Kinfra as the nodal agency, the Governor said.
In the labour sector, an Occupational Health Centre will be established in Kollam. A Safety Institute for Public Training will also be set up.
In the educational sector, Walk With a Scholar (WWS) is a programme aimed at nurturing students at the undergraduate level.
The Governor said Kerala Technological University would be established. Linking educational institutions with industries is another programme for achieving educational excellence. New Youth Policy and New Fisheries and Acquaculture Policy have also been announced in the address.
In the year 2012-13 - the International Co-operative Year - the thrust will be on modernisation and professionalisation of the co-operative societies. In the tourism sector, emphasis will be on improving tourism infrastructure in the state while continuing the marketing efforts in both existing and new markets. The Governor said development projects are underway targeting 50 destinations in 5 years. PWD will be accorded high priority for ensuring the quality of the road network of 33,000 kms. Of this, 1,300 km will be upgraded on Public-Private Partnership in BOT-Annuity mode under State Road Improvement Project (SRIP). 337 km of road will be upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 1,356 crore, with financial assistance from the World Bank.
Introduction of Green Building policy will be another new development. Multistoried parking facilities in major cities, time-bound implementation of Hill Highway project also have also figured in the address.