Page 154 - economic review

Industry and Labour126

3.152 The absence of a State-level umbrella platform for coordinating the large number of schemes
for entrepreneurship development is also a big concern.

Make in Kerala

3.153 Kerala is far ahead with special programmes on Self Employment & Entrepreneurship,
compared to other states and is rich in skilled as well as unskilled young human resource, especially in
IT. Credit facilities are available for MSMEs from Public sector banks in Kerala and Entrepreneurship
and skill development programmes are being provided by various institutions. Business incubators
as well as Technology incubators are being promoted fast in the State.

3.154 A State-level umbrella platform for coordinating the large number of schemes for
entrepreneurship development to avoid multiple overlapping and fragmented initiatives are needed
tio ensure larger coverage and better outcomes.

3.155 The MSME in the State can have a significant development in the sectors of Make India
Campaign like IT & BPM (Information Technology & Business Process Management), Food
Processing, Tourism & Hospitality, Media & Entertainment, Construction, Biotechnology, Automobile
Components, Chemicals, Electronic Systems, Textiles & Garments, Electrical Machinery, Leather,
Pharmaceuticals, Renewable Energy, Wellness etc.

3.156 For ‘Make in Kerala’ programme, Kerala should promote the industries in the areas Information
Technology & Business Process Management, Food Processing, Media & Entertainment, Electronic
System Designs, Manufacturing of Electronic components, Tourism & Hospitality, Biotechnology,
Automobile Components, Electrical Machinery, Rubber/Plastic products, Pharmaceuticals, Medical
equipment, Renewable Energy, Repair of Boats & Ships etc., as per Kerala Perspective Plan 2030
document and considering the advantages and disadvantages of the state.

Section 6
Labour and Labour Welfare

3.157 Kerala has always followed a right based approach to the changing needs of the labour
market. The policy initiative of the Government seeks both the overall growth and development of
the industry as well as that of the workers. Labourers in Kerala have been protected through the
constant intervention of the Government on right to work of one’s choice, right against discrimination,
prohibition of child labour, social security, protection of wages, redressal of grievances, right to
organize and form trade unions, collective bargaining and participation in management. It is an
accepted fact that the Labour laws and Labour welfare schemes implemented by state is much
higher than that of other parts of the country. The Government is of the view that every employee/
worker should be a member in a Welfare Board and they must be protected by the State throughout
their lives. Currently around 33 Labour Welfare Fund Boards exist in the State, of which 16 are under
Labour Commissionerate.

3.158 In spite of the experience of an average growth rate of 8 percent per annum since 2002-03,
Kerala has been facing deep challenges in the labour sector in terms of high rate of unemployment
and under employment, low rate of productive employment, inadequate levels of skill creation and
training, low level of labour force participation and lower worker population ratio. Essentially, the state
has to create employment opportunities and employment-intensive growth and re-allocate labour

Kerala State Planning Board