Kerala unveils draft industrial policy; AI, space, ayurveda, biotech, EV among priority sectors

The Left government in Kerala on Thursday unveiled its new industrial policy, with special focus on upgrading skills of youth for jobs of the future, industries and technologies of the fourth industrial revolution, and aligning the industrial sector with the state's vision of responsible and sustainable investments.

Presenting the draft industrial policy here, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir P. Rajeeve said the new policy would aim to tap the strengths of the state and foster investments in sunrise sectors.

"We will play to our strengths and see wherever we can utilise our production capabilities to manufacture in Kerala. We will focus on our core strengths and aim to promote employment generation," he told reporters

The existing industrial policy was formulated in 2018. 

The minister said the draft industrial policy would be shared with stakeholders within 10 days, and inputs would be taken from industry bodies and others before finalising the policy. 

The new industrial policy would be released in January 2023, and be effective from April 1, 2023, he said

The key pillars of the new policy include fostering entrepreneurship, enabling infrastructure, being ready for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and upgrading skill sets of youth for futuristic jobs, an official statement said.

The draft policy envisages creating more employment, retaining the talent pool, ensuring balanced regional development and giving incentives for sustainable and responsible investments. 

Some of the priority sectors identified in the draft industrial policy are artificial intelligence, space sector, ayurveda, biotechnology, designing, electronic system design & manufacturing, electric vehicles, engineering & research and development, food technology, and Graphene, it said.

Other areas identified for emphasis are hi-tech farming, high value-added rubber products, logistics, medical equipment, nano technology, renewable energy, retail, robotics, tourism & hospitality, 3D printing and marine cluster.

Several incentives have been included in the draft policy, including investment subsidy on fixed capital, SGST reimbursement and apprenticeship incentives for the manufacturing sector.

Boosting MSME growth

As part of efforts to encourage MSMEs to source funds through non-traditional routes, rather than loans, existing and new MSMEs will be reimbursed 50% expenses subject to a maximum of ₹1 crore, incurred on floating Public Issue through the National Stock Exchange or the Bombay Stock Exchange, provided the funds thus raised are utilised for setting up or expanding enterprise in the State.

Another major incentive will be the 100% electricity duty exemption for MSMEs for five years. The policy also includes 100% waiver of stamp duty and registration charges for setting up manufacturing units in industrial parks besides host of other waivers.

MSME exporters will be reimbursed up to 100% of the stall charges incurred, subject to a maximum of ₹5 lakh for participating in one international fair or exhibition per year.