Kerala Service Sector

The tertiary sector is also known as the service sector. The tertiary sector is the sector that stores and distributes the products of the primary (agriculture) and secondary (manufacturing) sectors. The tertiary sector contributes the most to the Kerala economy. The service sector includes education, transport, banking, IT etc. The tertiary sector is the sector that combines all service activities. The tertiary sector contributes the most to the national income and also to the kerala income. Classification of Central Statistics Office (CSO) based on activities in Tertiary Sector - IT, Trade, Commerce, Transport, Hotels, Communication, Tourism, Scientific Services and Research, Storage, Banking, Education, Insurance, Business, Real Estate and Public Services Activities.

Information Technology

The Electronics and Information Technology Department, Government of Kerala has the responsible for policy formulation and implementation related to IT and its development in the state. The IT sector plays a vital role in the kerala’s development across various sectors. The Government of Kerala has recognised the sector’s potential and has undertaken many initiatives to strengthen its global competitiveness. Kerala has implemented various information and communication technology projects in the state, including e-governance and e-literacy, to support the sectoral development. The government had taken efforts to ensure that the benefits of technological development reach all the sections of society. Kerala has emerged as an important IT destination in the country. The State has potential to emerge as a hub for various developing technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced manufacturing and robotics, blockchain solutions, data analytics and cyber security, big data and analytics, cloud computing, information technology enabled services, animation, gaming, and virtual & augmented reality. Major agencies supporting Information Technology development in Kerala include the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), K SPACE, Kerala Fibre Optic Network Limited, Kerala Start-up Mission, Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited, Kerala State Information Technology Mission, Kerala University of Digital Sciences Innovation and Technology, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management Kerala, International Centre for Free and Open Source Software, Technopark, Infopark and Cyberpark.

Scientific Services and Research

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of Kerala is responsible for the policy formulation and implementation related to the promotion of science, technology, and innovation in the State. Science, technology and innovation play a vital role in the social progress, overall development and economic transformation in the state. The science and technology sector has rapidly grown in recent years due to increased investment, international collaboration, and also from digital transformation. Kerala has made progression in this sector through a strong focus on innovation, inclusive growth and digital development. The state has expanded the sector through the establishment of science parks, research institutions and incubators, which support start-ups and strengthen the innovation ecosystem. The Government promotes the scientific research and innovation to ensure that it benefits all sections of society. The major institutions coming under the Science and Technology sector in the state are the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) and the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC).

Tourism

The Department of Tourism, Kerala Government regulates and supervises tourism in Kerala. Tourism is a fast growing economic sector that promotes and supports the cultural exchange, generates more employment and conserve the heritage. The sector plays a vital role in the economic growth of the state, and continues to be a leading tourism destination in the country. Kerala is one among the world’s leading center for Responsible Tourism. Kerala became the first State in India to launch a literary tourism circuit, the Malabar Literary Circuit. It links the birthplaces, museums, homes, and memorials of Malayalam literary personalities across Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts. Kerala also conducted the first gender audit of the tourism sector in the country, with the participation of UN Women India. This tourism policy has been introduced to support the women entrepreneurs in homestays, community leadership, tour operations,and women friendly tourism centres. 

External Trade

The external trade and export-import promotion in Kerala are primarily managed at the state level by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala. Kerala plays a major role in the export prospects of the nation by contributing marine products, tea, coffee and spices products exports. The external trade in Kerala is mainly through Cochin Port. Coffee, tea, cashew kernels, seafood, coir products and spices are the major items of export through Cochin port. 

Public Services

Another component of the service sector is public services. Public services is the principal tangible link between governments and their people. Public services carry and diffuse the values of the state and citizens. Public services constitute departments like Survey and Land Records Department, Registration Department, Excise Department, Police Department, and Prison Department.

Completion of survey process of all land holdings in the state are done by the department of survey and land records. Other main works of this department include digitalisation of land survey records, disburse of pattayam (land ownership certificate), forest land survey etc. The Registration department facilitates the registration services like registration of documents, firms, marriages etc. The Excise Department is the statutory law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing excise laws in the state. They collects excise revenue, and prevent the illegal use or trade of liquor and narcotic drugs. Cases handled by this department include Abkari Act (1950), NDPS Act (1958) and COTPA Act (2003). The Police Department is responsible fotr the valuable service to the public by maintaining law and order in the state along with crime investigation. The Prison Department has achieved remarkable progress on its way to custody, correction, reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners. 

Outreach to Public

The Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Kerala ensures the effective information flow between the government and the public. The department releases the timely and reliable information on policies, schemes, programmes and achievements and provides platforms for public feedback and engagement. This two way communication ensures the transparency, accountability, and trust in governance. The department has expanded its outreach by using print and broadcast media along with digital platforms such as mobile applications, social media and online campaigns.