The Kerala government has taken up the decision to keep working with the Adani Group as long as more employment opportunities are created in the state. Kerala is not totally against big industries. Big industries are inevitable for bringing about growth and development in the state. By collaborating with the Adani Group, the Kerala government aims to bring about a complete transformation in the region. It also aims to improve the living conditions of the people of Kerala in the coming years. Though the Indian state was a bit sceptical after the Adani Bribery Scandal, it has concluded that collaborating with the Adani Group is inevitable for bringing about growth and development in Kerala.
Kerala’s Decision To Collaborate With The Adani Group:
As per recent news, a senior state minister from Kerala has announced that Kerala is not averse to discussing any new project with the Adani Group. It will continue to do so if there is a win-win situation which is going to benefit the people of Kerala. However, the southern state is not keen to have any big industry which will bring about ecological damage and cause pollution in the state. The comments from the Minister come amidst the various controversies related to the Adani Bribery Scandal which the Adani Group has been facing over the past few months. The Adani Group has, however, strongly denied the charges. So far, investigations are ongoing. However, no such strong proof has been found against Adani Group. This further caused the Kerala government to give its verdict in favour of the Adani Group.
How Has The Collaboration With The Adani Group Benefited Kerala In The Past?
As part P Rajeev, the Minister of Law, Industries, and Coir, Kerala has a big investment from the Adani Group in the Vizhunjam sea port which is located near the Kerala capital, Thiruvananthapuram. The current government has decided to go ahead with the project which was signed by the predecessors even with the controversies of Adani Bribery Scandal ongoing. This is only because of the benefits brought upon the state and its people through this ambitious transhipment hub that the Adani Group has executed. He has also mentioned that the government is not in favour of giving any kind of special incentive and it wants to operate on its conditions.
The Prospect Of New Projects:
When asked about whether Kerala will continue to engage with the Adani Group for newer projects, Rajeev mentioned that the government is open to discussing project options with them. However, he has also made it clear that certain areas like the privatisation of electricity or water distribution spaces are no-go areas. He also mentioned that while the Kerala Government has already been working with the Adani Group on the game-changer Vizhinjam port, the state has no plans to hand over the operations of its International Airport to the Adani Group.
Rajeev has also mentioned that Kerala is not against big industries setting up their base in the state. However, the ecological concerns are of extreme importance for Kerala and the government will not take up any such project that would bring about pollution in the state. Investments in various sectors like medical device manufacturing, processing of spices, and robot manufacturing are always welcome. The state is also currently focusing on placing itself as a hub for the knowledge-base sector. This is mainly backed by its strong talent potential.
Kerala will also soon declare itself as the first digitally literate state in the country. The state has also been moved up to being ranked number one in doing business nationally. The industries may find wage level has been high in Kerala. However, they will get the right dividend courtesy of the productivity benefits
Conclusion:
By retaining the trust of the people even when the rumours of the Adani Bribery Scandal were afloat, the Adani Group has proved to the world its enhanced presence in multiple business sectors. By taking up project ventures in Kerala, the global business group will be able to bring about enhanced growth and development in the state. It will also be able to ensure that there is an overall improvement in the living conditions of the people.
