Smart City Kochi - Under Planning & Development

[DileepKS]

Originally Posted by arunpr

No man. It will not be inside Smart City. He had bought 16 acres of land near Infopark for that, just before settling the issues with LDF govt. He is very proactive

You got any evidence for that?

[sanba]

Originally Posted by arunpr

Yes. Smart City is supposed to be an IT project.Thats why TECOM tried to take over Infopark during last UDF rule. After malta project, TECOM understood that they cannot create any IT jobs. Thats why they are going for Mulipurpose SEZ.

Thats correct Arun .. Not sure what knowledge these SHEIKS are going to import to Kerala.But it is true that shopping malls also can create some job opportunities .. like few sales girls and sweepers(no offence meant)

[arunpr]

Originally Posted by DileepKS

You got any evidence for that?

AFAIK, only agreement is done now. After the registration, I will surely let u know the details

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by arunpr

Yes. Smart City is supposed to be an IT project.Thats why TECOM tried to take over Infopark during last UDF rule. After malta project, TECOM understood that they cannot create any IT jobs. Thats why they are going for Mulipurpose SEZ.

Have you been to Malta or Dubai to know whether IT jobs are there or not? Don't make comments about things which you don't know. Its quite good habit of we Malayalees to talk things which we don't know.....

In 2004, Kochi was no where at IT Map. Infopark was just one or 2 bldgs. I don't support that move anyway, as competition is always required.

But in 2011, IT map changed completely. Its like still trying to tie an Aranjanam worn by a one year old Baby to a 24 year old man. Kochi's or Kerala's IT map changed completely in these 7 years. Yes, you can take it as Left credit and I don't hesistate to say, Left has done enough to create IT parks under Govt sponsorship. But they did at expense of private sector. We live in a society, which requires both private and government support. But Left only supported latter, thereby keeping all other private SEZs in freezer.

Coming back to Smart city, 7 years passed from original concept. That also mean, a business entity should move on from 2004 concept. It has to change.

By the way, it doesn't mean IT is not getting any prominence in Smart City. Cochin Special Economic Zone was started to encourage non-IT export oriented industries. But today it houses more IT industries than Infopark. So naturally IT will have its share in Smart city.

Dont compare apples New Cochin land with Smart City land. This is like comparing a land in Kakkanad and Nellad Cost is almost 10 times more than the apples New cochin land. If TECOM want to set up such zone, then they should buy land at market rate !!!! They should not try to do it with peoples money !!! They should learn from HDIL/DLF/Sobha. They bought land at market rates. Govt should not give these kind of concessions to real estate projects

How did cost of Kakkanad land rise up? 15 years back, one acre of Kakkanad land was costing only 6 lakhs. My brother-in-Law have brought more than an acre land near Pallikara that time for this rate. It was only a slew of projects like Smart city, Infopark made the value to this rate. If these projects didn't take off, it will come down. We all saw when Smart city was at verge of abandoning. A flat which was costing Rs 3600 per sq ft in 2006 came down to 2400 Rs per sq ft came down to 2010, shows the extend of power of Smart city in development of the land.

So the question here is, who came first- Hen or Chicken.

Do you want to say HDIL brought land in Market prices? Then why did it went to HC, due to allegations of corruption of low rates for HMT selling its land?

I wish to ask a question, do you want a baby alive or keep normal delivery procedures intact at cost of baby's life? In modern era, we all look for fast delivery of a healthy baby, even thro' cesarean, rather get a dead baby thro' painful normal delivery. Left was more interested in keeping PAPER AGREEMENTS intact, than ensuring the project kicks off and attract more private investors. I believe, that was the very reason more than 5 major SEZ projects in Kochi went into deep freezer. Perhaps revival of Smart City, may bring out other projects...

Mostly Smart city is going to create 10000 or 20000 jobs with the so called zones. Govts land is going to the hands of some business men at throw away prices. Wipro/TCS/UST/IBS/LnT will create more jobs than this in Infoparks 100 acre land !!!!

Either you must be an astrologer or godman to foresee such situations. Anyway, 10000 jobs within 5 years is always better than NO jobs in past five years by keep land bare, to be infested with 90,000 snakes and lizards......

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by sanba

Thats correct Arun .. Not sure what knowledge these SHEIKS are going to import to Kerala.But it is true that shopping malls also can create some job opportunities .. like few sales girls and sweepers(no offence meant)

Thanks for sharing the knowledge that malls bring only salesmen and sweepers jobs..... So the Great Indian Retail revolution estimating $800 billion, created only sweepers and sales ladies... Good thought!! Suggesting that you must make a thesis and get a doctorate fast... Its an interesting fact, you have discovered.......

[Aslesh]

Smart City becoming multi-service industrial project is good for Kochi but truly bad for Kerala IT. What happen to the tall claims that smart city it is the "avasana kachithurumbu" of Kerala IT development? Now they might ask when did they said smart city is an IT project. True but all the media reports and claims of our politicians was that it is an IT project.

Now what is this project for? What kind of industries are they going to promote? Do we have any transparency in this? This is not a completely private project. Land is acquired by the government and it has shares in the company. They are accountable to the tax payers.

Most probably head quarters all the Kerala banks and regional offices of other banks will shift to smart city. Also the likes of Muthoott and Manappuram groups can enjoy SEZ benefits. Many of the corporate and regional offices you see in Ernakulam MG road might move to smart city.

This is nothing sort of technopark or infopark. May be for namesake IBM, microsoft etc can open their regional offices in smart city. And there will be 8 columns news in manorama. Microsoftum IBMum smart cityllll!

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by Aslesh

Smart City becoming multi-service industrial project is good for Kochi but truly bad for Kerala IT. What happen to the tall claims that smart city it is the "avasana kachithurumbu" of Kerala IT development? Now they might ask when did they said smart city is an IT project. True but all the media reports and claims of our politicians was that it is an IT project.

See I believe, Smart City is a product which we can showcase to other private players across the world that we are open to Private industries and companies can come and establish. Its a last option for Kerala to showcase Kerala as an investor friendly.

But IT alone or exclusive IT zone may not be relevant in today's context. Perhaps it may move to Technocity model- having IT, BT, NT, Life Sciences coupled with Finance, Media, Communications, Creative sciences, etc here.

Its surely positive for Kerala as whole, because it generates lot of positive buzz outside. HITECH city has several non-IT, technology based industries, I believe. It regularly participate in several IT festivals across world and earn a positive name for Hyderabad and AP.

So the new avatar is prefect.

Now what is this project for? What kind of industries are they going to promote? Do we have any transparency in this? This is not a completely private project. Land is acquired by the government and it has shares in the company. They are accountable to the tax payers.

High costs to Taxpayer's money in what way. The Government acquired land in pre-Smart city rates, which is still too low for landowners. Yet, GOK has good stake in the project and naturally tax-payers will get multiple returns from the project.

Even within six months, land value rose sharply. In 2010, a flat was selling at 2400 Rs Sqft, whereas today DLF announce pre-starting price at 3600 Rs, shows the land value again rises, making people around it to gain better and govt to get more higher taxes.

Most probably head quarters all the Kerala banks and regional offices of other banks will shift to smart city. Also the likes of Muthoott and Manappuram groups can enjoy SEZ benefits. Many of the corporate and regional offices you see in Ernakulam MG road might move to smart city.

Why only Muthoot or Manappuram? Why can't Credit Suisse or Zurich International or BOA or Dutesch Bank? Why can't Swiss Re or IMG?

If TECOM can attract these to Dubai, why not in Kochi? Why not Havard Medical sciences or Oxford?

[RKPV]

For those who are fighting for TECOM here

I read all of your post about smartcity , still i cannot understand why someone are still not realizing the facts.

1) To develop this kind of a SEZ township , We dont need an agency like Dubai Internet City, even DLF, GMR or any of the indian real estate company can do. because there is no risk involved.

2) India is not UAE and Kochi is not Dubai. Future of India is brighter than UAE. Even the growth rate is higher than Dubai. We dont need such kind of services SEZ to boost the economy.

3)Yes it is Taxpayers money. Else ask them buy the land in market rates. And also SEZ is meant for state and central tax benefits, registration wavier etc.

Hope you all saw this link
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/ma...1-06-24/kerala

[India101]

Green signal to build Smart City office

KOCHI: After the first round of talks between Tecom and the state government, the office of Smart City Kochi for the preliminary work, including preparation of master plan and project office, will be set up near the proposed site or at InfoPark next month.

A permanent office for marketing and other purposes will be set up at the Smart City site within three months. For the initial work around 60 professionals from various fields will be appointed soon. Baju George, CEO, Smart City, told Express that no changes have been made in the agreement with the government. A minimum built-up area of 88 lakh sq ft will be set up of which 70 per cent of space will be utilised for IT purposes and the rest for other services.

As per the agreement, 67 lakh sq ft will be utilised for IT purpose.� The land will be developed as per the Special Economic Zone status given by the Union Government which specifies that 50 per cent of the land can be used for IT-enabled services.

In the initial phase, Tecom will spend Rs 500 crore for the construction of 3.5 lakh sq ft of building which is expected to be completed by October 2012. The second phase will also start simultaneously, he said. Apart from IT services other institutions including insurance, banks, media and call centres can be accommodated on the rest of the area. When all supporting agencies for IT industry are under one roof, more companies can be attracted to Smart City Kochi.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and IT Minister P K Kunhalikutty held discussions with Tecom CEO Abdullateef Al Mulla and Baju George along with NRI businessman M A Yousuf Ali on Thursday.

The Smart City proposal first came up in 2006 and its foundation stone was laid four years ago.

However, the work failed to take off following differences between the state government and Tecom over the issue of freehold right over a part of the land.

SmartCity phase I to be ready by Oct. 2012

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM The first phase of the proposed mega IT project, SmartCity Kochi, would be commissioned before Oct. 31, 2012, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Thursday.

He was talking to mediapersons after a meeting with top officials of the Dubai-based Tecom Investments’ officials. Chandy said the project would be carried out within the framework of agreement worked out by the former Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to avoid further delay in materialising the long delayed project with an estimated employment potential of 90,000.

“Actually it was the very idea of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government to bring a mega IT project with foreign collaboration to Kochi. We couldn’t make the project materialise during our term as it was planned towards the fag end of the UDF government. In order to avoid any further delay, the government and the Tecom officials have come to an agreement to go ahead with the project within the framework of agreement reached between the Tecom and the previous LDF government,” he said adding that the project would be the biggest direct foreign investment in the state.

The proposed project is a 250–acre self-sustained knowledge–based Industry Township which is expected to change the very face of the state.

The Tecom delegation was led by its group CEO Abullatif Al Mulla. Apart from the chief minister, Industries Minister PK Kunjalikutty, who is also the chairman of the reconstituted board of directors of the SmartCity Project Company, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce director Yusuffali MA and SmartCity Kochi CEO Baiju George attended the meeting.

Abullatif Al Mulla, who congratulated Chandy on his new position on behalf of the Dubai government, invited him to visit Dubai. He also reminded that it was Chandy who had first signed the memorandum of understanding with the Dubai investors in 2005.

[India101]

Kerala SmartCity first phase by Oct. ’12

Oommen Chandy greets Abdullateef Al Mullah, Group CEO of Tecom, in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday — DC

To avoid delay in the SmartCity project, the United Democratic Front government on Thursday decided to stick to the agreement signed by the V.S. Achuthanandan government with Tecom and get down to the project work straightaway.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Tecom officials led by the CEO, Abdullateef Al Mullah, the Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, said that the first phase of the SmartCity project would be completed by October 2012.

The first phase which comprises 3.5 lakh sqft built up area is expected to create 2,500 jobs. Mr Chandy said the previous LDF government had wasted five years altering the agreement signed by the previous UDF Government.

“We don’t want to waste even five days,” he said, adding that the master plan for the project would be prepared within three months.

The project office, which had been closed down earlier, will resume functioning from August 31, and the foundation for the project headquarters would be laid on October 31. The work on the first phase would also be launched the same day.

The government has agreed to provide four more acres of KINFRA land to SmartCity. “At present, they have 246 acres and they say 250 acres would entitle them to all facilities under the Services SEZ category,” said Chandy. “The land will be transferred strictly on the basis of KINFRA rules.”

A notification will be issued within 25 days declaring the project area industrial township. Tecom has been asked to submit an application to the industries department in 10 days.

SmartCity was first mooted in 2006 and the foundation was laid about four years ago. But the project could not take off owing to serious differences between the previous government and Tecom.

[RKPV]

this too

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/ma...1-06-24/kerala

[godman]

Mr. Mohammed..Being a resident of Dubai, you must be knowing the currrent status of Dubai internet city. it is a failure.Howmany IT companies or Deve centers are there in DIC. Hardly any. What is the total employment in DIC? its less than 5000 in 12 years.. i still remember 13 years back, when the DIC started, the press media hype about DIC. Dubai goanna be the next silicon valley etc... What is the current status. They could not make it a success in Dubai and how will it be a success in Kerala?
In India majority of the Indian IT companies started their own campuses .. Then who will come to Smart City. MS or IBM or Oracle ???

Yet be seen. Now its clear .. going to be a Real estate business . not IT...wait & see.. All the bests.....

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

See I believe, Smart City is a product which we can showcase to other private players across the world that we are open to Private industries and companies can come and establish. Its a last option for Kerala to showcase Kerala as an investor friendly.

But IT alone or exclusive IT zone may not be relevant in today's context. Perhaps it may move to Technocity model- having IT, BT, NT, Life Sciences coupled with Finance, Media, Communications, Creative sciences, etc here.

Its surely positive for Kerala as whole, because it generates lot of positive buzz outside. HITECH city has several non-IT, technology based industries, I believe. It regularly participate in several IT festivals across world and earn a positive name for Hyderabad and AP.

So the new avatar is prefect.



High costs to Taxpayer's money in what way. The Government acquired land in pre-Smart city rates, which is still too low for landowners. Yet, GOK has good stake in the project and naturally tax-payers will get multiple returns from the project.

Even within six months, land value rose sharply. In 2010, a flat was selling at 2400 Rs Sqft, whereas today DLF announce pre-starting price at 3600 Rs, shows the land value again rises, making people around it to gain better and govt to get more higher taxes.



Why only Muthoot or Manappuram? Why can't Credit Suisse or Zurich International or BOA or Dutesch Bank? Why can't Swiss Re or IMG?

If TECOM can attract these to Dubai, why not in Kochi? Why not Havard Medical sciences or Oxford?

[RKPV]

The normal rate for premium apartments from reputed builders with good common facilities, in Kakkanad is now selling @ Rs.2400-2500 per sqft . And in surrounding area it is Rs.1900 -Rs.2100 only.

DLF , it will be different ,it really have lot of common space and amenities, so you have to pay more. And still some flats are available at their u/c project at Kakkanad, in a decent rate.

I think this will be a nice piece of information to NRIs, those who are still looking for a flat at kakkanad area.

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

Even within six months, land value rose sharply. In 2010, a flat was selling at 2400 Rs Sqft, whereas today DLF announce pre-starting price at 3600 Rs, shows the land value again rises, making people around it to gain better and govt to get more higher taxes.

[Rajesh SM]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

See I believe, Smart City is a product which we can showcase to other private players across the world that we are open to Private industries and companies can come and establish. Its a last option for Kerala to showcase Kerala as an investor friendly.

But IT alone or exclusive IT zone may not be relevant in today's context. Perhaps it may move to Technocity model- having IT, BT, NT, Life Sciences coupled with Finance, Media, Communications, Creative sciences, etc here.

Mohammed,

Technocity was earlier planned in such a way to accomodate BT and Lifescience's players into it. But now as per the information we have, Technocity will be an exclusive IT oriented township. GoK along with KSIDC is acquiring 260 acres of land near by Technocity for establishing Lifesciences park which will concentrate on BT and Life science's industry. In the form of Infosys, TCS, HCL , UST campuses almost 4,500 crores is coming to Trivandrum. TCS alone is investing more than 2,500 crore for their two campuses in Technocity and Technopark. Infopark is also expanding and attracting investment. My doubt is If a gov agency with marketing constraints can attract this much of IT investment and global players like Oracle, then Why Tecom is not confident of having an IT project?

Another most important thing is that, now they can use 50 % of land or area as non-processing(apartments, schools, sport facilities, malls etc). That means only 50% will be available as processing zones. Being a multi-service SEZ they can lease out this processing area to non-IT players also(banking, biotechnology, consultancy etc). So even 50% will not be available for IT industry.

Any way best wishes for their new strategy.

[zuperman]

wait...can any1 xplain to me in simple terms what 70% of the buildings and 50% of the land area to be used for IT means?
how is that implemented?

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by godman

Mr. Mohammed..Being a resident of Dubai, you must be knowing the currrent status of Dubai internet city. it is a failure.Howmany IT companies or Deve centers are there in DIC. Hardly any. What is the total employment in DIC? its less than 5000 in 12 years.. i still remember 13 years back, when the DIC started, the press media hype about DIC. Dubai goanna be the next silicon valley etc... What is the current status. They could not make it a success in Dubai and how will it be a success in Kerala?
In India majority of the Indian IT companies started their own campuses .. Then who will come to Smart City. MS or IBM or Oracle ???

Yet be seen. Now its clear .. going to be a Real estate business . not IT...wait & see.. All the bests.....

See, I am not a believer that TECOM is world's sole or only IT Developer or THE ONLY ONE TO DO WONDERS.

But the difference is, we require one international player or a brand to start their mega venture in Kerala and prove to other investors that we are investor friendly. Several leading Indian developers came to Kochi, only after Smart City was announced, say Unitech, Pasarvnath or HDIL.

If Smart City was successful, it will be proved as best example for people outside to consider Kerala. Just like in 1990 when Taj group along with Kerala Govt start a JV for Taj Residency in Kochi and Kumarakom, initiate confidence among other major Hospitality brands to come into Kerala and start their venture.

In Kerala, till now, we had only Govt as developers, be it Technopark or Infopark, which could produce only less than 0.1% of what India does. More private players in development area, will bring in more companies and improves our position.

I believe TECOM is not a superb player. But someone is better than nothing. Just like Indoesia's Salim group's investment in Bengal improved Bengal's image, despite of fact that the group is not any mega international giant, TECOM will surely improve Kerala's image outside.

And Godman, priorities of Dubai and Kerala are different. In terms of cost, quality HR and many other critiea, Dubai is no where near to India. But investors invest in Dubai primarily for

1. Raising Finance, as Dubai is almost a mini-offshore finance hub and its pretty easy to shift capital raised in Dubai to other parts of world

2. Dubai is the only way to penetrate into Middle East-Africa region and most of companies based in Dubai, considers it as key to enter MENA region and Arabic market.

3. For Dubai, more than employment, the government values multiplier effects. We never hear any project in terms of employment in Dubai, rather in terms of its growth or market share. For example do you know how many employed in Siemens or Nokia based in Dubai? Rather we all know how many projects it undertake or how many multiplier projects rose because of Nokia or Siemens.

Even Dubai knows that. Thats why it is establishing projects outside Dubai and using its capital to develop, so it returns back to Dubai in one way or other. For Kerala, we look forward for a reputed brand name to start a project and help us to get rid of the bad image accumulated on us for past 30 years.

Do you think Oracle or IBM will simply build own campus and operate in Kerala on day one itself? How can they be sure about Kerala and no issues will happen? They will go for leasing office spaces from quality operators and wait untill they are pretty sure about its operations

And TECOM knows that more better than our politicians.... Thats why it understood it can't be a mere IT developer when slowly IT companies are establishing their campus. Thats why it moved to General SEZ.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by Rajesh SM

Mohammed,

Technocity was earlier planned in such a way to accomodate BT and Lifescience's players into it. But now as per the information we have, Technocity will be an exclusive IT oriented township. GoK along with KSIDC is acquiring 260 acres of land near by Technocity for establishing Lifesciences park which will concentrate on BT and Life science's industry. In the form of Infosys, TCS, HCL , UST campuses almost 4,500 crores is coming to Trivandrum. TCS alone is investing more than 2,500 crore for their two campuses in Technocity and Technopark. Infopark is also expanding and attracting investment. My doubt is If a gov agency with marketing constraints can attract this much of IT investment and global players like Oracle, then Why Tecom is not confident of having an IT project?

I am not a TECOM spokesman to reply on behalf of them. Like you, I too have to guess all probabilities.

Perhaps it also serves a reason why a stand alone IT project won't work. In 2005, when it was planned there was no much brands in Kerala IT market. Kochi was no where in IT Map, Trivandrum too was a below average player comparative to other states. But 7 years passed on. Today mega projects happening in Trivandrum, parks are coming in Kochi and even interest is shown in relative new places like Kozhikode etc.

Naturally the competitive edge which SmartCity had in 2004 is lost completely. See, despite of these projects coming up, we still are minuscule in IT market, because other states have atleast 50 time more projects than us. If Trivandrum was in TN or Karnataka, I am sure, it would had atleast 20 or 30 IT parks outside Technopark and atleast 3 or 4 TECHNOCITY kind of projects. But it didn't happen, because even India's first IT place suffered due to poor Investor friendly image.

Smart City is NOT the standalone ONE SINGLE MEGA PROJECT which Kochi or Kerala looks into. That was more or less Media exaggeration (just like media said Titanic was unsinkable). One single Smart City, when announced in 2006, 4 major IT/ITES SEZ also came up within its vicinity (Unitech, Pasarvanth, Cybercity, L&T). Did any one took off? Image if all took off, where would be Kerala today..........

Today, after Technocity, Infopark went ahead lot, we still ask Smart City to go in original plan... Its like asking the hare who slept, to run and touch finishing point, when tortoise already near an inch to touch it. It doesn't mean we should we kill the hare for sake of tortoise.

Let hare take a different path and achieve different victory.

Another most important thing is that, now they can use 50 % of land or area as non-processing(apartments, schools, sport facilities, malls etc). That means only 50% will be available as processing zones. Being a multi-service SEZ they can lease out this processing area to non-IT players also(banking, biotechnology, consultancy etc). So even 50% will not be available for IT industry.

Why should we ask it to be in IT alone.... Why, BT, Pharma, Consultancy, R&D won't work in Kerala? If they can bring some world class animation companies like Universal studios, why should we shun them and say only we want TCS or Infosys?

The new policy is good, because what you mentioned as non-processing sectors, are actually more processing. Imagine the level of impact if Havard Medical school opens a branch in Smart City as a non-processing institute..... If some international schools open, will it give quality education and quality faulty to Kochi?

If companies like Biotech or Swiss Re or ING looks into Kerala, won't it be equal to IBM or Microsoft....

Any way best wishes for their new strategy.

Lets hope so.....

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by RKPV

For those who are fighting for TECOM here

I read all of your post about smartcity , still i cannot understand why someone are still not realizing the facts.

1) To develop this kind of a SEZ township , We dont need an agency like Dubai Internet City, even DLF, GMR or any of the indian real estate company can do. because there is no risk involved.

Then why didn't these companies didn't come up in 2005 and opened such parks, even though they have started many in other states..... Why haven't a leading real-estate player like Unitech still keep its IT/ITES SEZ in Kakkanad near to Smart city in thick forest, to be infested with snakes and lizards

So it shows that there is enough risk to come to Kerala and if ever come to Kerala, the risk to start business........ In 2006, we were NUMBER 2 in investment potential. In 2010, we are Number 16, just above West Bengal for investment potentiality. It speaks volumes of risk to start a business..

3)Yes it is Taxpayers money. Else ask them buy the land in market rates. And also SEZ is meant for state and central tax benefits, registration wavier etc.

The landowners got a maximum of 90,000 Rs per cent for the land taken by govt. That means maximum of 240 lakhs (2.4 crore) out of an investment planned at 1500 crore. Yet GOK got a stake of 20% (I believe) apart from crores from land/registration taxes from various land/apartment/villa transactions nearby

Is that justifies that Taxpayers got more profits, even for a paper project......

[mohammedirshad06]

The Group of Technology Companies (GTech), the industry body of the software companies of Kerala, has welcomed the agreement reached between the government of Kerala and representatives of TECOM to fast track the implementation of the SmartCity project Kochi.

A pressnote issued by Gtech said the agreement would help not only to enhance the viability of the SmartCity project but also promote the general services sector. “It is equally encouraging to note that clear-cut milestones – opening of the SmartCity office by August 31, concept master plan within a month thereafter, and commencement of work by October 31 – have been spelt out. These are welcome signals.”

It said the decision of the government of Kerala to convert SmartCity into an industrial township under the Special Economic Zone of the government of India would provide an enabling ecosystem for the growth of IT and general services activities in the State. GTech complimented the State government for taking steps to implement the project. It expressed confidence that this would send out a positive signal to potential investors.

Suitable industry

“Information Technology is one of the most suitable industries for a State like Kerala. It offers huge employment opportunities with attractive remuneration. If encouraged to grow, it has the potential to dramatically transform the socio- economic landscape of Kerala. The SmartCity project would be a significant step in this direction,” said V.K. Mathews, chairman of GTech and executive chairman of IBS Group.

Township

“The conversion of SmartCity into a multi-service SEZ using the extra four acres from KINFRA should be looked upon by TECOM as an opportunity to build a self-sustained township in the region. This township should not only concentrate on apartments but should also cover the civic and social infrastructural aspects like education, waste management, sewage treatment and drinking water for the region,” said Anoop P. Ambika, secretary, GTech.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/...cle2131944.ece

[mohammedirshad06]

Dr. Baju George, a veteran management professional, has taken charge as the Managing Director of SmartCity Kochi project being promoted by the Dubai based Tecom Investments. Dr. Baju, who was holding the position of Project Director- Real Estate at Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, was earlier in charge of SmartCity Kochi when the project was floated, in his capacity as the Director of Projects at Tecom Investments.

Talking to Kerala IT News, Dr. Baju said, “My priority is to present the concept master plan by September. I have to ensure that the deadlines set in our meeting with the Chief Minister are met”. He will be based in Kochi.

Baju, who did his Graduation, Law and MBA from Kerala University, got his Doctorate from M G University and ML from Madras University. Starting his career as an Advocate at the District Court in Kollam, Dr. Baju has been in Dubai since 1996. Over the years, he has developed expertise in property management, project management and legal management.

Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of SmartCity Kochi Infrastructure has been reconstituted with the Minister for Industries & IT, Shri P K Kunhalikutty, as the new Chairman. T Balakrishnan IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary, Department of Industries, Government of Kerala and Ismail Naqi, MD, Tecom Business Park Operations joins the Board as new members with Kerala Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy as Patron. A meeting of the Director Board was held at the Secretariat in Trivandrum yesterday and the Board has approved the new appointments.

http://keralaitnews.com/other-it-new...tcity-kochi-md