In a recent Right to Information (RTI) revelation, it has been uncovered that the Kerala government managed to create a mere 5,839 jobs over a span of eight years, from 2016 to 2024, despite an investment of Rs 1520.69 crore in companies with a turnover of Rs 5 crore. The data, brought to light by a query filed by Kerala-based activist K Govindan Nampoothiry, underscores a significant disparity between the government’s investment and the resulting employment figures.
According to the RTI response, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), responsible for promoting investments and enterprises in the state, provided financial assistance to 119 enterprises. However, this assistance translated to a relatively small number of jobs created, raising concerns about the efficacy of the government’s initiatives.
Nampoothiry, commenting on the revelations, highlighted a stark contrast in job creation figures. He noted that the Directorate of Industries and Commerce in Kerala claimed the creation of over 5 lakh jobs in the last 22 months alone through their ‘Year of Enterprises’ scheme. This scheme reportedly initiated 2,36,384 enterprises with a total investment of Rs. 14,922 crore.
The disparity between these figures has prompted Nampoothiry to criticize the government’s approach, labeling it as short-sighted. He called for urgent intervention to bridge the gap and expand the benefits of state schemes to ensure more significant job creation and efficient utilization of investments.
‘The stark difference in job generation and investment figures raises serious concerns over the effectiveness and productivity of the government’s assistance schemes. These revelations bring to light the urgent need for a comprehensive review and modification of strategies aimed at bolstering investments and entrepreneurship in the state,’ Nampoothiry stated.
The lackluster performance of the state government in translating investments into substantial job growth has been called into question, undermining its claims of making Kerala an attractive destination for investments. As calls for a review and revamp of strategies grow louder, the spotlight remains on the state’s efforts to stimulate job creation and economic growth.
