Kerala Minister for Law, Industries, and Coir, P Rajeev
Kerala is open to discussing new projects with the Adani group, but only if they benefit the people of the state, said Minister of Law, Industries, and Coir, P Rajeev. He emphasized that the government seeks “win-win” situations but will not support projects that harm the environment or cause pollution.
The minister’s comments come amid growing unease among southern states about working with the Adani group, particularly after the allegations against Gautam Adani and others related to bribery charges for securing contracts.
Rajeev pointed out that Kerala already has significant investment from the Adani group, especially in the Vizhinjam Seaport, near Thiruvananthapuram. The current government decided to continue with the project signed by previous administrations because it benefits the state and its people through the ambitious transshipment port.
However, the minister clarified that the government is against offering special incentives to the Adani group. Kerala prefers to operate on its terms, ensuring that projects create jobs and increase revenue for the state.
While Kerala is open to discussing new projects with the Adani group, Rajeev made it clear that sectors like privatization of electricity or water distribution are off-limits. He also emphasized that while Kerala works with the group on the Vizhinjam port, it opposes Adani’s involvement in other projects, like the takeover of operations at the nearby international airport.
The state is not opposed to big industries but will not allow polluting industries. Kerala welcomes investments in non-polluting sectors such as medical devices manufacturing, robot manufacturing, and spice processing. Rajeev also stressed that Kerala is focusing on becoming a hub for knowledge-based industries, leveraging its skilled workforce.
The state aims to become the first digitally literate state in India and has already moved up to rank number one on ease of doing business. Despite concerns about high wages and potential strikes, Rajeev assured that Kerala offers significant productivity benefits to industries, which outweigh the higher labor costs. The state has seen minimal violence and no industrial fatalities compared to other states.
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