Construction of Kerala's first 'Work Near Home' centre set to begin in Kottarakkara

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that construction of the first centre under the state’s 'Work Near Home' initiative will begin in Kottarakkara on Friday. The centre is expected to be completed by March 2025.

The initiative aims to bring remote work opportunities closer to home by creating state-of-the-art workspaces in smaller towns. The first 'Work Near Home' campus will be located in Kottarakkara, followed by a second in Perinthalmanna. These campuses, ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 square feet, will be equipped with modern amenities, including plug-and-play gadget setups, rest areas, dining facilities, video conference rooms, and 24-hour security. The centres will operate under the state-run IT parks.

"Kerala is set to revolutionise remote work opportunities with the 'Work Near Home' initiative, providing state-of-the-art workspaces in smaller towns. Construction of the first centre begins tomorrow in Kottarakkara, set to be completed by March 2025. This initiative underscores Kerala’s vision for sustainable, inclusive development that bridges the urban-rural divide and strengthens the knowledge economy," Vijayan said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Key players and funding

The Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) is overseeing the project, with financial backing from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL) has been designated as the special-purpose vehicle for the initiative.
KIIFB will provide 80% of the funding as a loan, with entrepreneurs responsible for covering the remaining 20% for office setup.

 The loan can be repaid over 10 years, starting a year after the office is established. Entrepreneurs will retain 90% of the income, with the remaining 10% allocated to KSITIL.