Kerala to build IT parks in all districts

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has worked out a plan to develop IT parks in all districts in the state as part of its efforts to enhance its presence in the information technology sector.

A state-sponsored company called Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITF) has been formed for this and consultants Pricewaterhouse Cooper entrusted to work out the project details, Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told the Assembly.

The proposed IT parks would be in addition to the existing one in the state capital, Infopark in Kochi and the joint venture Smartcity coming up in Kochi, the minister said.

Districts like Alappuzha, Palakkad, Kannur, Kasargode and Kozhikode have already submitted site proposals which were being examined by the government.

The IT department has drawn up a set of norms for the sites for the IT parks which included proximity to rail, road and air connectivity, basic needs like uninterrupted power and water supply and housing facilities. One park requires at least 50 acres of land.

Currently, 49 companies were located in Technopark and seven in Infopark, employing 22,517 people directly.