Kerala Cabinet Approves State ESG Policy to Boost Sustainable Investments

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Cabinet on Tuesday approved the state’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy aimed at promoting sustainable and socially responsible investments. The policy prioritises industries with low environmental impact and suitability for local ecosystems. With ESG becoming a central criterion for investment decisions globally, the state aims to position Kerala as a leading destination in India for ESG-compliant investments.

In other decisions, the Cabinet approved the removal of the advance payment guarantee requirement for the Wayanad Township project, following a request from the project’s Special Officer.

The government also decided to create a temporary section in the Law Department for six months, along with a Section Officer post, to incorporate amendments from various finance and tax-related Acts into the principal legislation.

The Cabinet sanctioned fee concessions for registering the deed and stamp duty for a 30- year government lease to establish a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Karinkunnam village, Thodupuzha taluk, Idukki district. Similarly, TECIL Chemicals and Hydro Power Limited in Kottayam and Changanassery taluks will receive concessions on surplus land under regulatory limits, covering 8.048 acres of additional land in Nattakam and Kurichi villages.

The Cabinet approved the maximum permissible tender excess for the repair works of the old MC Road and link roads connecting Enath Junction in Pathanamthitta district, amounting to over ₹3.68 crore, in accordance with existing provisions.