Representative Image | Mathrubhumi
Thrissur: Another instance which highlights the sad state of being business-friendly in Kerala has emerged from Thrissur. 1 lakh square feet commercial complex built by industrial department six years ago to attract entrepreneurs is gathering dust in Puzhakkal.
The inaugural of the building happened in 2016. A list of 69 entrepreneurs were shortlisted for the allocation of spaces. However, allocation did not happen. Among the 69 in the list, 27 moved to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for their ventures. Most of them have moved to commercial park in Tamil Nadu’s Madukkarai as they provided spaces at low rents.
The commercial complex in Thrissur was built at a cost of Rs 19.5 crores. Bizarrely, another 1,29,000 square feet complex was built by the department at a time when the former was gathering dust. The inaugural was scheduled for May 3, but it did not happen.
Notably, the complex built first had good amenities including 24/7 uninterrupted electric supply and water availability. However, due to non-payment of required fees, they are reportedly in disbanded state.
Similarly, both the complexes are built in a location where roads are dingy. Even the vehicle of industries minister cannot reach the place for the inauguration. The path is soil-cladded. Industrial department maintains that road construction is the duty of PWD.
The project was devised with an expectation that it will generate 5,000 jobs. The actual plan was to complete the project on the 11.41-acre plot in five phases. The government then had a claim that the commercial spaces will attract an investment of Rs 500 crores. However, they all remain as claim only.
The project was marred by vigilance enquiry over many internal issues. Though the issues are settled now, the spaces are not yet allocated.
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