Industries and Commerce Department, Kerala
The aim of the Industries and Commerce Department of Kerala is to transform Kerala into an investment hub with a vibrant entrepreneurial community through environment-friendly and sustainable economic growth along with job creation. Anyone intending to start a small business in Kerala should first approach the State Industries and Commerce Department. A single window clearance system has been set up in the District Industries Centres operating in all 14 districts under the control of the Directorate at Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. Every year, the Industries Department honours the best performers at the state and district levels by giving awards to them to encourage small businessmen.
Organisation
■ Directorate of Industries and Commerce (DI&C)
The Directorate of Industries and Commerce Department is located at Vikas Bhavan in the Thiruvananthapuram district, headed by the Director of Industries & Commerce.
■ District Industries Centres (DICs)
The district level machinery of the directorate of industries & commerce is situated at District Industries Centres (DIC), headed by the General Manager, DIC.
■ Taluk Industries Offices
There are Taluk Industries Offices headed by the Assistant District Industries Officers. Industries Extension Officers are deployed in the Block Panchayaths, Municipalities and Corporations of Kerala.
Major Line Departments, Directorates
■ Directorate of Coir Development
■ Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles
■ Directorate of Industries & Commerce
■ Mining & Geology Department
Promotional Agencies
■ Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-BIP)
K-BIP was formed in 1991 with the aim of accelerating industrial development. K-BIP functions as an autonomous body under the Department of Industries. The main mission of K-BIP is to collect information on investment opportunities in the industrial, commercial and trade sectors, study them in detail, and inform entrepreneurs about the positions to be taken. K-BIP implements activities to create an industry-friendly environment in the state and attract investment here.
■ Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC)
KSIDC is the nodal agency for attracting domestic and foreign investment into Kerala's industrial sector. Started in 1961, KSIDC emphasizes on formulating business ideas suitable for the existing conditions in Kerala, feasibility studies of projects, and constant interaction with entrepreneurs.
■ Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA)
KINFRA was established in 1993 with the aim of establishing industrial parks, townships and special industrial zones for the development of industrial infrastructure. The established objective of KINFRA parks is to create the necessary environment for industrial units.
■ Public Sector Restructuring and Internal Audit Board (RIAB)
RIAB was formed in 1994 with the aim of reflecting the reforms and developments taking place in the industrial sector at the global level in the industrial sector of the state. Along with evaluating the performance of public sector enterprises, the distribution of government financial assistance to them is also implemented through RIAB.
■ Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board
■ Kerala Traditional Industries Workers Welfare Fund Board
