Kottayam: The initiative to bring IT ventures closer to homes will take shape with the launch of the state’s first ‘Work Near Home’ campuses in Kottarakkara and Perinthalmanna. Offices ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 square feet area will be established, equipped with amenities such as plug-and-play gadget setups, rest areas, dining facilities, video conference rooms, and 24-hour security. These campuses will operate under state-run IT parks.
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The Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), with financial support from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), is overseeing this project, while the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL) has been assigned as the special-purpose vehicle for the initiative.
KIIFB will provide 80% of the cost as a loan, with the entrepreneur responsible for covering the remaining 20% for office setup. The loan can be repaid to KIIFB over 10 years, with repayment commencing a year after the office is established. The entrepreneur can retain 90% of the income, while 10% will go to KSITIL.
An expression of interest will soon be invited for setting up ‘Work Near Home’ offices.
Reintegrating women with career breaks
Dr P.S. Sreekala, Director of the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM under K-DISC), noted that the ‘Work Near Home’ initiative will benefit women who have had to leave their jobs for various reasons, as IT ventures move from big cities to remote areas.
“As IT parks from local bodies are established, these women will have opportunities to return to the workforce,” Sreekala added.
There are currently 5 lakh women in the state who have had work breaks and are at home. A survey found that 97% of them are eager to return to work.