Thiruvananthapuram: Nissan here to stay, demands accepted

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said the demands put forward by Nissan have been resolved.

At a press conference here, the Chief Minister said bureaucrat K Biju has been entrusted with the exclusive task of liaising with Nissan representatives regarding the project.  He said the reports about Nissan leaving the state were baseless and aimed at creating misunderstanding among people.

The government had earlier agreed to waive stamp and registration duty for Nissan’s unit in Technopark.  The company had also demanded similar relaxation for the land to be allotted in KINFRA park.

The arrival of Nissan would give boost to infrastructure facilities, service sector, health, education, housing, tourism sectors, international standard in waste management and inter city transportation.

The Chief Minister some of the demands raised by the company required Centre’s intervention. They have demanded international and domestic air connectivity.

The chief secretary has been asked to schedule a meeting with union civil aviation secretary and airline companies to discuss the issue.

Mr Vijayan said the stories that Nissan was fed up and planning to pack their bags were being spread at a time when 600 workers were engaged with the company in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Chief Minister said those criticising the projects and running propaganda should understand that they were creating hurdles in the development of the state.

“You may have differences and hostility with the government. But opposing development means you are working against the future generations,” he said.