KIIFB-driven reforms accelerate Kerala’s higher education and public infrastructure growth

Kerala's Higher Education and Social Justice Minister, Dr. R. Bindu, emphasised that the infrastructure development of the higher education sector has been made possible through the effective utilisation of Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). She highlighted that this has significantly accelerated the state's development efforts.

Over the past four years, KIIFB has allocated Rs 6,000 crore for the promotion of higher education. Of this, Rs 2,000 crore was invested in implementing an international standard education system, equipping universities and colleges with modern facilities. The renovated laboratory complexes at MG University and Kerala University now stand as leading laboratories in South India. Additionally, academic blocks with smart classrooms and well-equipped administrative blocks have been established.

KIIFB allocated Rs 250 crore to upgrade facilities at CUSAT and Rs 617.75 crore for building international standard hostels and study and research centres. Furthermore, Rs 232.05 crore was spent on constructing an education hub in Pinarayi, Kannur, while Rs 203.92 crore was allocated for constructing an Engineering Science and Technology Research Park in Thiruvananthapuram, spread over 50 acres in Vilappisala. Another Rs 200 crore was utilised for establishing translational research centres and startup incubation hubs in ten universities across the state.

Dr. R. Bindu, Minister for Higher Education & Social Justice

Dr. Bindu remarked that transforming Kerala into a knowledge society is a cornerstone of the state's "New Kerala" mission. She emphasised the importance of establishing translational research laboratories that bridge theoretical knowledge and practical applications in the higher education sector.

Additionally, Rs 350 crore has been allocated to create skill parks in every district, aiming to enhance skill development. Another Rs 140 crore has been spent on skill courses in Arts and Science Colleges, Professional Colleges, Polytechnics, and ITIs. Hostel complexes designed for international students are also under construction at universities. KIIFB has spent Rs 20 crore on short-term and postgraduate courses in universities and Rs 100 crore on constructing 1,500 hostel rooms in Kerala, MG, CUSAT, Kozhikode, and Kannur universities.

The minister highlighted that KIIFB has played a pivotal role in devising and implementing numerous projects to advance the state's higher education sector.

Adv. G. R. Anil, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Legal Meterology & Consumer Affairs

Food Minister G.R. Anil highlighted a significant surge in the state's infrastructure development. He noted that over the past nine years, the progress has more than doubled compared to the development plans of the previous three decades. This growth is evident in the construction of hospitals, schools, roads, and other essential facilities.

The minister attributed this remarkable progress to the support of the KIIFB fund. In his constituency, Nedumangad, development projects worth over ₹1,500 crore are underway, thanks to KIIFB's backing. Notably, the highest-ever investment is being made in the Nedumangad District Hospital, alongside Rs27 crore allocated for the construction of the Nedumangad Market. KIIFB has also played a pivotal role in funding the construction of school buildings in the area.

Key road projects include the ₹300 crore Nedumangad-Mangalapuram road and the ₹1,000 crore Vazhayila-Pazhakutty road connecting Nedumangad to Thiruvananthapuram. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, KIIFB continues to be a proud supporter of the state's development initiatives.

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