Government of Kerala
Facilitating investment
Government of Kerala has set up Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (KSIDC), for the promotion and development of medium and large scale units in the state. As the nodal agency for foreign and domestic investments in Kerala, the KSIDC provides investors with support, processes various incentive schemes and facilitates constant interaction between the government and the industrial sector. The agency also assists NRI investors in developing business ideas, identifying viable projects and providing financial assistance and assistance for implementation.
In a nutshell, the KSIDC is a single-point contact for investments to the State and serves as a brand ambassador for the State, spreading its industrial ethos and as an interface between Kerala and the rest of the world.
Assistance in property-related disputes
NRIs residing abroad have to face property related disputes both in and out of the family. Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs Department (NORKA), ensures timely intervention of concerned authorities for speedy redressal of legal disputes.
NORKA is also planning to introduce fast track system for settling the issues relating to revenue, police and legal services.
Extending financial assistance
Various funds have been established to provide financial assistance to Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs).
- The Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Fund grants relief, pension, medical and educational assistance. It promotes companies, co-operative societies and other institutions of NRKs for their welfare.
- The Santhwana Scheme and Chairman Fund have been used to extend financial help to low-income group returnee NRKs in case of extreme financial needs.
- The Karunyam Fund is established to meet the expenditure incurred on the repatriation of mortal remains of those NRKs who die abroad.
Awareness and training
Kerala has a population of 2.2 million emigrants. Migration mainly occurs due to the search for employment. NORKA is involved in creating awareness among job seekers to address the issue of illegal recruitment and visa cheating. It holds Pre-Departure Orientation Programmes to spread awareness around visa, emigration rules, employment contracts, and travel formalities among overseas job aspirants.
It also sources candidates for overseas employers according to their stipulations. In this regard, the job portal, www.jobsnorka.gov.in, is an open platform for both employers and jobseekers.
Other initiatives
- Certificate attestation services of the Government of Kerala, the Ministry of External Affairs and embassies and consulates are being provided from a single office for job seekers Government of India abroad.
- NRK Identity Cards
Special cards called NRK Identity Cards are issued to NRIs. Through these cards, NRIs can avail facilities such as insurance, rebates and discounts on products and services.
Useful contacts:
Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd.
T.C.XI/266,Keston Road, Kowdiar,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 003
Ph:+91 471 2318922
Email: ksidc@vsnl.com
Website: www.ksidc.org
NORKA Department
Government Secretariat
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 001
Ph: +91 4712518182, 2518061
Email: ds@norka.kerala.gov.in
Website: www.norka.gov.in
NORKA-ROOTS
4th Floor, Centre Plaza
Vazhuthacaud
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 014
Ph: +91 471 2332416, 2332452
Email: mail@norkaroots.net
Website: www.norkaroots.net
The Kerala Non Resident Keralites Welfare Fund Board
Manikanta Towers, Near Tennis Club
Jawahar Nagar, Kowdiar PO
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 003
Ph: +91 471 3013401, 3013402
Email: ceonrk@pravasiwelfarefund.org
Website: www.pravasiwelfarefund.org
For more information, log on to www.kerala.gov.in