But the focus this time is on medium and small projects in industry, tourism, infrastructure and other traditional sectors.

This will be followed by a major diaspora meeting (Pravasi Sangamam) in Kochi on July 14 and 15, 2012, as was held during the rule of the previous United Democratic Front (UDF).

The decision follows the meeting of reconstituted board of directors of NORKA-Roots, the implementing agency of the non-resident Keralites’ affairs department (NORKA), chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Wednesday.

NORKA-Roots CEO Noel Thomas said the board had also cleared the setting up of an NRI university on 50 acres near SmartCity, based on the business model of Cochin International Airport Ltd. with private participation.

The deemed university will provide educational facilities for middle-income NRK wards with courses designed for and focused on employability at SmartCity. It also decided to issue NRK (non-resident Keralite) smart cards and design a mechanism for rating and upgrading of the sills of personnel, who would be given NORKA Roots.  A training institute is coming up here while a business venture has been planned in association with Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation and the new Al Barakh Financial Services based on Islamic principles.

NORKA would also set up a single-window clearance facility to help entrepreneurs start businesses where experts would assist them in conceiving projects, sourcing funds and to ensure hassle-free projects with all mandatory clearances.

The death insurance amount to NRKs has been doubled to 200,000 rupees. A permanent disability relief of 100,000 rupees and 50,000 rupees for partial disability have been decided for the first time.

Already 120,00-odd NRKs and returnees have enrolled in the NORKA scheme.