Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that investors, who attend the Emerging Kerala meet, with real estate motives will have to return empty handed. “Not an inch of land will be sold for projects approved in the meet. Can you think any secret business deal is possible in Kerala?,” he asked the editors of various media organisations in the state during an interaction ahead of the Emerging Kerala meet on Thursday, Sep 6.
Chandy said the priority of the meet would be idea sharing and projects that are really needed for the state’s development, will be given priority. He also clarified that land will be given on lease for the approved projects and that too for short periods. Allaying fears expressed by environmentalist about polluting projects, Chandy said environmental impact analysis will be made compulsory for all projects.
The Chief Minister expressed his willingness to hold talk with the opposition to sort out their differences. “The UDF has made a public call to the opposition, asking for their cooperation. We are ready to give convincing replies to all queries of the opposition. But, how can we do that if they refuse to discuss the matter,” he asked.
Industries Minister PK Kunhalikutty said the projects that will be discussed in the meet won’t eat away large chunks of land or harm our environment. “We need to extend a cordial welcome to those who come here with ideas and investment. There is no point in viewing the meet with a closed mindset,” said Kunhalikutty. He also requested all not to spoil the meet by mixing politics with it.
Both the CM and the Industries Minister admitted that there had been lapses in their attempt to make the meet as much transparent as possible. “I work from an office which is under web camera surveillance. I don’t switch off the camera when some persona non grata come visits me. Similarly, I thought of placing all ideas in the website so that the public can study them and debate,” Chandy said referring to the recent controversies over certain proposals placed in the Emerging Kerala website.
