Kasargod: A K Antony Lays Foundation Stone for HAL strategic Electronic Unit
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network
Kasargod, Aug 24: "Controversy is essential. However, it should not come in the way of developmental works," said Union Defence Minister A K Antony.
Speaking after laying foundation stone to HAL’s strategic electronics branch factory at Kinfra Industrial park at Seethangoli in Kasargod district, 45 kms from Mangalore, he said “conflicts have become disease in Kerala. Politics should not come in the way of development.”
He said HAL unit in Kasargod district is another example of healthy and cordial relationship between State and centre. Major political changes in the Centre has not hampered the developmental works in Kerala. If the trust continues, then there is no looking back on the progress of the State.
He said “some more units will be set up in Kerala. However, I will reveal it at an appropriate time.”
Minister said the Brahmos Aerospace unit at Thiruvananthapuram was the first defence related industry started in Kerala in 2007. Today HAL has ventured into the production in Kerala. Minister for Industries Elamaram Kareem said HAL’s unit in Kasargod is Onam gift for the Keralites.
He said “there were no major industries in Kerala in the past. However, now we are creating an atmosphere to attract investment. A meeting will be convened at Delhi on August 28 wherein we will present a report on the opportunities in Kerala for investment.”
He said owing to the connectivity to sea, air and NH, HAL has chosen Kinfra Industrial Park for the establishment of its unit.
“An electronic park will be developed at Kinfra Industrial area. Another Industrial park will also be developed in Kasargod. I have already directed the District Collector of Kasargod and Kinfra MD to work towards it,” he added.
MLAs Ahamed Ali, C H Kunhambu, Principal Secretary to PM T K Nair, HAL Chairman A K Baweja, Principal Secretary (Industries and Comerce) Kerala state T Balakrishnan were present.
The document of lease deed of land was handed over to HAL Director (Planning) M Fakruddin by Kinfra MD S Ramanath.