Projects are being implemented balancing traditional sectors and industrial growth: K N Balagopal

The State government is implementing development projects by giving equal importance to traditional sectors and agriculture alongside modern industries, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said here on Saturday. He was speaking after inaugurating a development seminar for Neduvathur grama panchayat’s 2026-27 People’s Plan campaign.

Highlighting the local progress, the Minister observed that Neduvathur has evolved into a major development hub for the Kottarakara region. He pointed out that the establishment of the Zoho IT Park in Neduvathur has significantly contributed to an increase in professional tax revenue for the local body.

“To safeguard employment within traditional sectors, specialised vocational training programmes have been implemented in unnathis. Authorised youth clubs will receive an annual financial assistance of ₹10,000 to support their activities,” he said.

Wildlife issue

Addressing the grievances of the farming community, Mr. Balagopal also assured that effective solutions would be found to mitigate the recurring instances of human-wildlife conflict.

Providing updates on some key infrastructure projects in the region, the Minister said that the construction of the Kottarakara Ayurveda Hospital, one of Kerala’s two integrated AYUSH hospitals, is moving forward steadily. “Funds have already been sanctioned for building modern markets in Veliyam and Mylam panchayats, while similar market construction projects are currently under way in Ezhukone and Kalayapuram. Also, the development of the Panayil-Paramukku road, being built at a cost of ₹3.75 crore, will be fast-tracked for completion,” he said.

The seminar was presided over by Neduvathur grama panchayat president V. Vidya, while standing committee chairperson K.S. Amrita presented the draft plan.