RTI Reveals Less Than 6,000 Jobs Created In Kerala In Eight Years, Contrasts Government Data Of 5 Lakh Jobs In 22 Months

A recent Right to Information (RTI) response has revealed that the Kerala government created 5,839 jobs between 2016 and 2024, investing Rs 1,520.69 crore in companies with a turnover of Rs 5 crore, as reported by Livemint.

The RTI findings indicate that despite the government's investment, the outcome led to fewer than 6,000 new jobs in Kerala during the specified period.

The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), a state-level agency promoting investments and enterprises, supported 119 enterprises financially.

The data came to light in response to an RTI query filed by Kerala-based activist K Govindan Nampoothiry on 15 February.

Nampoothiry highlighted the contrast, noting that the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Kerala, claimed to have created over 5 lakh jobs in the last 22 months through their 'Year of Enterprises' scheme.

They reported initiating 236,384 enterprises during this period with an investment of Rs 14,922 crore.

Nampoothiry expressed concern over the significant gap between the government's investment and job creation, suggesting a short-sighted approach by the current regime.

He called for urgent intervention to enhance the benefits of state schemes, urging a comprehensive review and modification of strategies to boost investments and entrepreneurship in the state.

The activist argued that the substantial difference in job generation and investment figures raises doubts about the effectiveness of the government's assistance schemes.

He called for an evaluation to ensure that Kerala lives up to its claims of becoming an attractive destination for investments.