80 colleges embrace Kerala Government's campus industrial park initiative

Thiruvananthapuram: A total of 80 colleges have shown interest in a government initiative to establish campus industrial parks on their own land. The objective of this project is to transform research activities into production units.

Under this scheme, each institution is required to allocate five acres of land. Before proceeding, they must obtain a no-objection letter from the Higher Education Department. Applications for starting an industrial park must be submitted online along with the required documents, including the no-objection certificate, as per the specified criteria.

District industrial centres are informed to support applicants by providing necessary facilities and assistance. Priority in the initial phase will be given to Arts and Science Colleges, Polytechnics, Professional Colleges and ITIs.

Out of the allocated five acres, two acres may be utilised for constructing a standard design factory. A developer's permit, valid for 30 years, will be issued upon approval. Financial assistance and criteria for private industrial parks are also established for campus industrial parks.

A district-level committee will evaluate applications to ensure they meet the specified guidelines and assess the suitability of the proposed site for an industrial park. Applications deemed eligible will be sent to the State committee at the secretary level. On this committee’s recommendations, approval for the park will be sanctioned. The government will provide special concessions for land allotted for industrial parks. A single window  clearance board will be there exclusively to facilitate approvals.

Campus Industrial Parks will benefit from all provisions outlined in the Industrial Township Area Development Act.