The Kerala government on Wednesday gave a nod for setting up campus industrial parks in higher educational institutions in the state to address the issue of scarcity of land for industrial purposes. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s cabinet approved the Campus Industrial Park Scheme – 2024 as part of the initiative to set up industrial parks in unutilised land on the campuses.
Under the scheme, the state government aims to begin at least 25 campus industrial parks in this financial year.
Speaking on the matter, Kerala’s Industries and Law Minister P Rajeev said, “This is a new novel concept to strengthen the industrial ecosystem of the state. We are also trying to strengthen the connection between the higher education system and the industrial establishments in Kerala.”
According to the Minister, 70 higher education institutes including two universities have already given expression of interest to begin campus industrial parks.
Higher education institutes that have excess land as per the required University Grant Commission (UGC) and medical council norms, can apply for campus industrial parks. However, a no objection certificate (NOC) from the higher education department is mandatory for the same.
“The government will examine their application along with the NOC of the higher education department. If the government gives a permit for the campus industrial parks, then we are ready to give an incentive of 1.5 crore for infrastructure development. The students will get an opportunity to work there part-time and they will get experience,” the Minister said.
With these parks, the government aims to foster entrepreneurship in the students and strengthen the link between the industrial sector and educational institutions.
As per the Minister, the idea of industrial parks was well received by industry stakeholders, who pledged their cooperation the the same.
Under the scheme, any industry, which can function in a particular area according to the existing norms and rules, can be opened in these campus industrial parks. However, these industries should be related to the subjects which are being taught in that particular institution.
The industries department has also suggested the higher education sector look at providing credits to the students working in these industrial parks.
“If a student, who is studying in Polymer technology, works in a rubber factory in the Industrial Park, then they should be given a credit or grace marks so that this will be additionally beneficial to the student apart from the wages,” the Minister said.
In Kerala, there is a gap between skill and education. Through these campus industrial parks, the government is aiming to bridge this gap.
Many students who go abroad for studies work part-time to make ends meet. The government is hoping that the latest incentive will also similarly help students in the state.
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