Gujarat and Kerala

All icons of industry are excited about the Gujarat state. Everybody wants to have their factory there. When Modi was ruling the state, they were eulogising him for his achievements. Across the country, people were taking their pilgrimage to Gujarat, to understand what this state offers that others could not.

People from Kerala too - politicians, businessmen, government officials, etc made trips. Those who couldn't go had media to feed their appetite. All had only one message to share - it would be wonderful to turn Kerala into a Gujarat.

Recently, I got to be in Gujarat for a week. I had been to Vapi, Daman (Union Territory), Surat, Bharuch, Jhagadia and Vadodara. I have these varied opinions about the state.

Most of the hotels there are vegetarian, but many of them serve egg.

Industries operate in earmarked land, operated by GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation). They have multiple estates in every district, focusing on sectors.

Almost all these industrial estates have their own common effluent treatment plant operated by the government agency. Operating industries pass their discharge to this agency within mandated norms and agency takes care of further treatment and discharge.

Industrial estates, farm lands and residential premises exist closely.

Businessmen operate with utmost confidence without much worries about labour, capital, compliance, etc.

Labour is available for Rs.300 for 12 hours.

Officials can be bought.

Alcohol is prohibited but you can carry and drink with valid permits.

Alcohol is available cheaply at Daman. People from across Gujarat, mainly Surat, take leisure trips to Daman with their family.

Many people drink alcohol at Daman, without the society knowing to avoid humiliation.

Daman beach is polluted, evident to any layman.

One cannot purchase farm land unless and until the individual or her parents are farmers.

Water for irrigation flows through canals which are covered by solar panels.

Overall, I am of opinion that Kerala need not wish to be a Gujarat. They are far removed from each other. Gujarat has its plus and minus. So is Kerala. I came back relieved that I am living in Kerala.