Thiruvananthapuram: Bharat Biotech and Virchow Biotech, two biotechnology companies in the country, have received nod of the Kerala government to start vaccine production units in the state. The government verified their capacity in establishing new units and also their expertise in vaccine production after the companies expressed interest in the open invitation of the state government to set up production units.

Now, the state government has to release the guidelines for their investments. The finance ministry is considering the guidelines prepared by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. State had eased some of the rules in September 2021 based on which the KSIDC called for Expression of Interest.

The companies will be allotted plots on the Life Science Park at Thonnakkal in the state capital. However, a decision on the mode of transfer of land and other facilities is yet to be finalised. BoT, lease options are pondered upon. A tender process may be avoided as they expressed interest based on the call of the state government. Once the government gives the final nod, an agreement will be signed with KSIDC.

What govt assured

  • Approval in one month
  • Land for lease for 60 years at a 50 per cent discount rate
  • No stamp duty or registration fee
  • Loan at 4 per cent interest for 20 years
  • Up to 30 per cent subsidy in capital expenditure
  • Subsidised water, electricity connections