Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today indicated that Centre will sanction an Indian Institute of Technology for the state while highlighting the several projects sanctioned by the UPA government for Kerala.

Inaugurating the 'Kerala Development Congress' in Thiruvananthapuram, Singh said the state's demand for an IIT would be met soon. 'I know that state has demanded an IIT. I am sure, that aspiration will become a reality', Singh said.

Stating that the Centre has sanctioned several projects for the economic, social and educational development of the state, he said Rs475 crores has been earmarked for the developemnt of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi under JNNURM programme.

Listing out the projects allotted for the state, he said a new Central University has been set up Kasargod.

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Indian Institute of Space Education and Research have been set up in Thriruvnanthapuram and a campus of Aligharh University was coming up in Mallapuram, he said.

In the field in defence sector, Singh said The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd was setting up a new strategic electronic plant in Kasargod.

The Bharat Earch Movers Ltd has set up a new uit for manufacturing products for defence, railway and metro in the state with a total ivestment of Rs260 crores, he said.

On Kerala's achievements in social sector, he said Kerala has the lowest rate of poverty among the major states in the country.

On women's empowerment in Kerala, he said the socio-economic condition of women in Kerala deserves special attention. Girls in Kerala have a better record than boys in shcool education, he pointed out.

Girls excell in sports and they have outnumbered boys in enrollment in higher education, he said. 'The Kerala society treats women eaqully and that is indicated by the fact hat the average life expectancy of women is higher than men by four years', Singh said.

Union ministers AK Antony, Vayalar Ravi, KC Venugopal, Mullapally Ramachandran, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, former state chief minister Oommen Chandy were among those present on the occasion.