Vision 2030 targets 7.5 % economic growth in Kerala

The Vision 2030 document, approved by the Kerala cabinet, targets to maintain  7.5 per cent growth in economy in the next 20 years in the state.

The policy aims at increasing the per capita income in the state from the present $4,763 to $19,000 in 2039 and to $ 36,000 by 2040. The state plans to reduce unemployment rate from the current 9.9 per cent  to 2 per cent and poverty rate from 7.1 per cent  to one per cent.

The document also envisages making Kozhikode, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram as global education cities, while Palakkad and Malappuram would be prioritised as global cities for IT and healthcare services respectively. Kochi too would be modelled as a global city on all fronts.  

The state plans to protect Western Ghats and watershed areas. Around 75 per cent of waste generated would be recycled within the state itself.  Enrolment in higher education sector would be raised to 48 per cent from the current levels.

The document stated importance would be given to medical, knowledge and tourism. Skill development would be provided to more individuals in these fields and tourism would form part of the school curriculum.

All homes in villages would have a telephone connection, all houses to have access to internet facility, schools and colleges to have computers and internet connection. At least one person from each home would be offered computer education. Smart townships to come up in place of IT parks for safeguarding the environment.

High importance would be accorded for farming on par with industrial development. Viability gap support for agriculture initiatives would be offered. Special agri zones and novel farming methods would be adopted. Field-level farmer schools would also be started. The state would employ scientific methods in fishing and would encourage value-added products.

The state is aiming at one product per village and one industry per town is also being aimed. Novel initiatives that sink with environment would be given priority. Sales tax credit will offered for machineries. Green action plan to be made mandatory for all corporates.

A transport regulatory authority would formed at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. Strict driving rules would be implemented as part of it. A new industrial policy for encouraging environment-friendly products and services.  

Potential of electricity projects would be increased and private investment to be allowed in built operate transfer (BOT) terms for 30 years. Power generation from wind, solar energy, biogas and plastic waste will also be supported.

Project share in healthcare sector would be increased from 0.6 per cent  to 4-5 per cent. The vision aims to reduce  maternal mortality  rate to  12 from 81 for every 100,000 individuals. Infant mortality to be decreased to 6 from 13 for every 1,000 births. Number of doctors for each 1000 persons to be raised to 65 from the current 9.9 and nurses from 34.6 to 70.

Health insurance for all and private health protection project with in the government regulation.

The Cabinet gave its nod to Kerala Vision 2030 on last Wednesday and has decided to constitute expert committees  to synchronise the ideas and would be part of the annual and five-year plans. The committees would advise the government and formulate necessary policies and institutional mechanisms.

The project document was prepared by the State Planning Board with the help of National Council of Applied Economic Research.