The Kerala State Council for Science and Technology & Environment (KSCSTE) recently organised a meeting on 17th May 2015 at Hotel Mascot, Trivandrum to elicit information and suggestions from scientist, technologist and experts for the development of science and technology in the presence of Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minster for Ministry of Science & Technology, and Earth Sciences.

In the meeting Dr G C Gopala Pillai, Managing Director, Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA), pointed out the need of "Industry Vs Research & Development linkage", and also the partnership, which is needed for the development of a particular industry and the research activities. Further he recalled the role played by KINFRA during the period 2004-06 with the Department of Bio-Technology regarding the development of infrastructure for biotechnology development in the state. Dr Gopala Pillai presented a unique suggestion before Dr Harsh Vardhan, a proposal to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) between Central Electronics Limited (CEL) and KINFRA for the implementation of Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC), Kochi. CEL is a public enterprise under ministry of Science and Technology, GoI. Its objective is to commercially exploit the indigenous technology development in India.

The KINFRA MD in his presentation spoke about the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC), KINFRA is going to establish in Kochi with the assistance of GoI. It was suggested that CEL and KINFRA could form a SPV to promote "Make in India" concept of GoI in the field of electronics. He also said that Keltron, the first state electronics development corporation who ventured into electronics manufacturing way back in 1973 is also planning to join this initiative. The SPV tie-up with CEL and KINFRA will give a new dimension to the EMC Kochi. It will also give a boost to the 'Make in India' initiative, the industrial development of Kerala State, and job opportunities for the people in Kerala.

Dr Harsh Vardhan received the documents from Dr Gopala Pillai, MD Managing Director KINFRA in this regard. It may unleash the new stories of success in near future.