The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Kodiyeri seeks NoRKs’ investment in tourism

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Friday, Jan 04, 2008
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Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Kodiyeri seeks NoRKs’ investment in tourism

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The government will initiate action against private agencies indulging in bogus recruitments to foreign countries, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said.

Speaking at the Keraleeya Pravasi Sangamam being organised by the Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NoRKA) Department of the State government here on Thursday, the Minister said that some agencies were sending personnel to Iraq in the guise of recruitment for Gulf countries. The State would coordinate with the Union government to take steps to curb the menace, he said.

Visa rackets too would be curbed, he said. Separate NoRKA cell had been formed to deal with Malayali expatriates’ problems like bringing dead body from abroad. The government would widen the activity by opening NoRKA cells in every district. The government would welcome expatriates’ investment in infrastructure projects in tourism, he said. Shortage of hotel rooms was being felt in Kerala. There was a need for 20,000 hotel rooms, double that of the existing capacity. Tourist arrivals had recorded 35 per cent increase which indicated that investment in the sector would be worthwhile. The government was keen to develop tourist spots across the State.

Steps for land acquisition for Kannur airport were in progress. An investment promotion cell had been formed in the Tourism Department.

Single window clearance was being offered for investment exceeding Rs.5 crore.

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