The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Manmohan promises all help

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 02, 2006
ePaper

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Manmohan promises all help

Special Correspondent

`Centre committed to improving agricultural and plantation economies '

IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveiling the foundation stones of the new terminal of the international airport and the Air-India Maintenance Base in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs V ayalar Ravi, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel, Governor R.L. Bhatia, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, Law Minister M. Vijayakumar, Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony and Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy are also seen. - Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here on Wednesday that the Centre was committed to improving the agricultural and plantation economies of Kerala.

Inaugurating the construction works of the new international terminal complex and Air-India Maintenance Base at the Thiruvananthapuram airport here, the Prime Minister also promised help for the State's plans to improve air connectivity.

"I am aware of the anxieties of the plantation sector in Kerala. I assure you that our Government will not do anything that will hurt the interests of the people of Kerala. I urge you, especially those who have invested in the plantation sector, to diversify your investments and to make better use of new market opportunities in India and abroad."

Competition

Mr. Manmohan Singh said the people of Kerala should be prepared to deal with competition from neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam with whom the country had historical and fraternal relations.

"We need to make effective use of modern science and technology to improve the productivity of the plantation sector in Kerala."

He said the Centre would render all possible assistance for the development of the Vizhinjam harbour.

The Azhikkal port had been included in the National Maritime Development Programme.

He said the country needed first-rate infrastructure and air connectivity if it needed more trade and travel. He hoped that the Airport Authority of India and airlines would prove equal to the task ahead.

The maintenance base being constructed in Thiruvananthapuram at a cost of Rs.50 crore would generate new employment opportunities.

Positive impact

The Prime Minister said the outward orientation of Keralites had an enormously positive impact on the quality of life across the country. "The Malayali people have contributed a great deal to the intellectual, economic and cultural development of our country."

Mr. Singh said that `God's Own Country' had become a magnet of seekers of peace, relaxation and rejuvenation. However, it has lagged behind its neighbours in the development of modern industries and knowledge economy. Time had come for Kerala to catch up.

The Centre was willing to give its unstinted support for its future endeavours.

"I am confident that Kerala today has the potential to take a great leap forward. You need the vision and spirit of creativity and adventure to make that leap. I hope the political, business, social and intellectual leadership in Kerala will come together and help the State to make that leap forward."

Proud symbol

Noting that Kerala had been a proud symbol of the country's composite culture, he said it should strengthen the bonds and should not fall prey to divisive and sectarian ideologies.

Governor R. L. Bhatia presided over the function.

Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan, Union Minister for Defence A. K. Antony, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel spoke.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala