Kollam: An American multinational tech company, GR8 Affinity, has begun operations at the ASAP Community Skill Park in Kulakkada here. This marks a significant milestone as international corporations are venturing into rural areas, providing unprecedented job opportunities, said Kerala industries minister P Rajeev.

GR8 Affinity Services, headquartered in the United States, specialises in creating employment avenues for commerce graduates. The launch of this initiative in Kulakkada aligns with the Work Near Home scheme, an endeavour championed by the LDF government. This initiative aims to decentralise employment opportunities, bringing job hubs closer to home, the minister said.

In its inaugural phase, GR8 Affinity employed 18 individuals, all of whom were graduates of the Enrolled Agent Course at ASAP. These new employees are set to enjoy starting salaries ranging up to five and a half lakh rupees per annum. Emphasising the online nature of the work, this initiative has not only provided meaningful employment but also allowed professionals to work with esteemed multinational corporations without having to relocate to urban centres, the minister added.

The positive response from these employees reflects their contentment at being part of a large multinational corporation while staying close to their homes. This development is not just a testament to the state's commitment to creating jobs but also a step toward bridging the urban-rural employment gap, Rajeev added.

The government is planning to extend similar schemes to other rural areas in Kerala.