Minister Rajeev emphasized the state’s intent to explore AI-based radar systems to predict landslides and other natural disasters.
Published Oct 05, 2024 | 7:30 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 07, 2024 | 6:11 PM
P Rajeev speaking at Dakshin Dialogues in Hyderabad on Saturday, 5 October 2024.
At the third edition of South First’s annual thought conclave, Dakshin Dialogues-2024, Kerala Industries and Law Minister P Rajeev highlighted the state’s efforts to become the first in India to attain full digital literacy.
The event, themed, People and Technology: Governance for Tomorrow, saw Rajeev in conversation with Sateesh Andra of Endiya Partners, discussing Kerala’s digital ambitions and strategies to address key challenges.
Rajeev announced that Kerala is on track to achieve full digital literacy by November 2024. This milestone, he noted, would solidify the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in society, supported by initiatives like the Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON).
KFON, a flagship project, aims to provide high-speed broadband access to all households and government offices, further enhancing e-governance and propelling Kerala towards becoming a knowledge-based economy.
Focusing on Kerala’s digital and technological advances, Rajeev highlighted the state government’s strides in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) for local governance.
“We are leveraging AI for analytical data to enhance governance and improve citizen interaction,” Rajeev said. “Our focus includes boosting e-governance, addressing local needs, promoting agricultural development, and elevating living standards.”
Rajeev claimed that the digital divide between rural and urban areas in Kerala has significantly narrowed due to various initiatives implemented by the government.
“Kerala has made strides in minimizing the urban-rural digital divide,” he remarked, reflecting on the state’s comprehensive digital literacy programs.
He added that 86 out of 100 people in Kerala now have internet access, though he acknowledged that ensuring affordable and equitable access to ICT infrastructure remains a challenge for most regions.
On the subject of climate change, Rajeev emphasized the state’s intent to explore AI-based radar systems to predict landslides and other natural disasters.
“We are looking at technology-driven solutions used in other countries to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” he added, stressing that such innovations are crucial given Kerala’s vulnerable ecological landscape.
Addressing the perception that Kerala is not industry-friendly, Rajeev dismissed it as negative propaganda.
“Kerala has often been unfairly portrayed as hostile to businesses, despite being a leader in education, healthcare, and other sectors,” he said.
He pointed out that setting up a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) in the state is now streamlined, with entrepreneurs able to start operations “within a minute”.
The minister attributed this misleading narrative to Kerala’s status as the only Left-ruled state in India, where even minor labour issues receive disproportionate national attention.
Rajeev praised Kerala’s industrial harmony, citing a statement from the CEO of Cochin Shipyard that in the last 25 years, not a single man-hour has been lost due to strikes. Nor have there been any major factory attacks in the state. “Compare this to incidents like the killing of a general manager in Noida,” he said, emphasising the state’s stable industrial environment.
Kerala has long been a pioneer in the IT sector, Rajeev said, recalling milestones like the establishment of India’s first IT park, Technopark, in 1990, and Keltron, the country’s first electronics manufacturing company, in 1974.
He further highlighted Kerala’s distinction as India’s first fully e-governed state and the launch of the nation’s first exclusive Digital Court to handle cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
On addressing the skill gap in emerging industries, the minister noted Kerala’s investments in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data analysis.
The minister also spoke about Kerala’s commitment to integrating emerging technologies in education.
“We are creating a knowledge society, ensuring the next generation is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. We’ve trained 80,000 public school teachers in AI, and we are incorporating AI into the school curriculum,” he revealed, underscoring the state’s dedication to preparing the younger generation for a technology-driven future.
As part of its mission to foster entrepreneurship, Kerala has launched initiatives such as the Year of Enterprises. Rajeev said the government is particularly focused on empowering highly skilled women, many of whom are homemakers, by turning them into entrepreneurs through initiatives like “Work Near Home.”
While addressing concerns about brain drain, Rajeev acknowledged that many Keralites migrate for education and employment, but downplayed its severity, citing instances of reverse migration where professionals are returning to the state.
“Kerala is dedicated to generating as many entrepreneurs as possible and tapping into our existing talent pool,” he concluded.
The state’s efforts, from advancing digital literacy to fostering knowledge-based industries, are positioning Kerala as a hub of innovation and opportunity, ready to tackle future challenges while leveraging its unique strengths, he said.
On Kerala’s economic front, Rajeev pointed to the state’s success in fostering entrepreneurship.
“In just two years and six months, we’ve established three lakh MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and attracted ₹19,600 crore in investments—not from foreign direct investments, but from our local economy,” he said, highlighting Kerala’s resilience and potential in building a self-sustained economy.
The minister also addressed the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the war between Iran and Israel, and how it could have significant ramifications on Kerala’s economy.
“It is true that Kerala relies heavily on migrants from the Middle East. However, the ongoing conflict could affect oil prices and other commodities, impacting not just our state’s economy but the entire country,” he said, warning of potential economic challenges ahead.
The minister also took a critical stance on the media landscape, highlighting that “digital platforms often focus on sensational issues and manufacturing controversies.”
In this context, he applauded South First for promoting constructive dialogues through platforms like Dakshin Dialogues 2024.
Dakshin Dialogues 2024 was presented by KarPing in association with Governments of Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka along with Ichor Biologics, Start up Karnataka, ELCOT, K-Tech with IIIT-Hyderabad as knowledge partners.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
