Nawaz Meeran, Kadakampally Surendran, Ramesh Chennithala, Azad Moopen, V.J. KurianKochi: The development and entrepreneurial aspirations of Kerala is often impeded by local-level factors and lower bureaucracy than by governments. This was the consensus opinion of the Happinomics session of the Manorama News Conclave here on Saturday.
Leader of the opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the changing governments should not affect the consistency of development. The comprehensive development of the state should be the aim of all parties, he said.
Minister for tourism and cooperation Kadakampally Surendran said the government and the ruling Left Democratic Front were fast-tracking development.
Entrepreneur Azad Moopen said he had never faced issues in starting business in the state. Stating that economic development was essential for happiness, he said we should take a cue from the Global Happiness Index.
He urged political parties to move ahead on consensus to achieve this target.
CIAL managing director V.J. Kurian annd entrepreneur Nawaz Meeran shared the opinion that new thoughts and innovation was the byproduct of happiness.
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Surendran said all stake-holders should approach development with a new frame of mind for the larger benefit of society.
On the 'illogical and irrational' support extended to protests by various sections of people, Ramesh Chennithala said the moot question was the 'project purpose.'
He said a status-quo approach will not help achieve its development targets. Malls and new apartments cannot be viewed as sustainable economic activity. We need a new plan and vision for development, he said.
Azad Moopan said Gujarat was doing a good work in terms of inviting investment. Stating a case, he said the Gujarat government was offering land free of cost to entrepreneurs ready to start large hospitals and medical colleges.
He said Kerala should focus on its resources – soil and nature. “We should achieve happiness by value-adding to our vegetables and fruits,” he added.
