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Kerala Press Academy INFRASTRUCTURE

5.226 Smart class rooms programme for media students, publication of media magazines and books,
videographing of veteran journalists, seminars and workshops for career development of journalists
and media persons are the thrust areas of function carried out by the Academy. Government has
accorded sanction to re-name the Press Academy as Kerala Media Academy. Efforts for enhancing
the status of the institutions as centre of excellence as announced in the Governor’s address are
progressing.

Centre for Development of Imaging Technology(C-DIT)

5.227 During the period C-DIT has won appreciation for the facilitation of Janasamparka Paripadi by
evolving mechanism for online registration of complaints, file movement and tracking of complaints
with other departments, verification of online complaints and updation of its disposal position. With
the tie-up of IIT Mumbai, Sooryakeralam project was launched to impart training in photo voltaic
system to the technicians across all districts in the state.

Outlook for Infrastructure

5.228 Kerala’s dense population and growing urbanisation calls for provision of efficient and
affordable mass transport through road, rail and water. A global state like Kerala requires better air
connectivity to facilitate tourist and non resident Keralites.

5.229 As part of transforming Kerala into a power sufficient state by the end of 12th Plan period,
renovation and modernization of old hydel stations should be carried out to extend their life and to
augment generation capacity. There is also a need to speed up the commissioning of new hydel
projects. Life extention and reducing the cost of generation by way of conversion of fuel to natural
gas in the case of Brahmapuram Diesal Power Plant and Kozhikode Diesel Power Plant shouldl be
explored. Even though most of the non-conventional sources of energy are inherently infirm, these
could be used to the extent possible in meeting our energy requirement. Electricity generation from
wind, solar photovoltaics, Small and Medium Hydro projects should be implemented through public
private participation. Considering the grave power scenario of the state, setting up of power projects
by using coal and petcoke is under consideration of the Government.

5.230 In order to facilitate proper and efficient access to transmission electricity from different
regions across the State and from Central Grid, 400 kV transmission backbone across the state
will be implemented. It is expected to achieve 100% electrification of the State by the end of 12th
Plan period, effecting the implementation of the above measures. An integrated approach involving
institutional changes, increase generation capacity, increases in the production of renewable energy,
demand side management and energy conservation are needed in future.

5.231 Major Challenges/ issues in the IT sector are lack of public awareness, where people are not
well informed even though the state has the necessary resources in place, Ignorance about social
security was witnessed across the poor population of the state and inadequate training of employees.

5.232 The state should be developed and marketed as the most preferred IT/ITES investment/
Business destination in India. ICT for efficient, effective and transparent delivery of services
to the citizens should be assured. ICT readiness in MSME industries must be ensured. Global
competitiveness in Research and Development capabilities should be developed. More focusis
required on ICT activities viz., e-governance, m-governance, e-readiness, e-inclusion, e-commerce,
e-skills, e-public services.

Economic Review 2014