Claiming that Karnataka was at the forefront in the country as far as industrial growth and generating employment was concerned, R.V. Deshpande, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, said the Congress government was committed to build infrastructure needed for attracting investment and overall development of the State.
“Karnataka has always been a visionary State. It was the first to frame a policy for Information & Technology in 1995. It also pioneered in the start-up field to give a boost to a varied sectors including tourism, small scale industries and the like, and organised the Global Investors’ Meet. It would continue to do so besides giving thrust to infrastructure development leading to industrial growth generating employment opportunities and overall development of the State,” he said.
Mr. Deshpande was speaking after laying the foundation stone and performing Bhumi puja for the establishment of a one million ton steel plant here by Sandie Manganese & Iron Ores (SMIORE) Ltd. on Monday.
He said that but for huge investments, the State could not have prospered and also thanked the people for welcoming it for industries, agriculture among others. “If Ballari could emerge as a steel district it was because of the cooperation of the people. My appeal to the people of the State is that they welcome investments to ensure overall development of their district and State,” he said.
Mr. Deshpande assured the investors coming forward for setting up industries of complete cooperation and support from the government. “I would like the Jindals, who are producing steel, to consider establishing a battery/electric manufacturing unit in the State. The government would extend all support for this,” he said.
Stating that the biggest challenge was to generate employment, he called upon industrial leaders to set up skill development centres to enable youth to get employment.
Sajjan Jindal, chairman, JSW Steel, who was the chief guest paid tribute to late M.Y. Ghorpade for his social concern and the welfare of the people.
Shivajirao Rao Ghorpade, chairman, SMIORE, explained about the project. Nazim Sheikh, Managing Director, also spoke.
K. C. Kondaiah, E. Tukaram, Anil Lad, all legislators; Narendeakumar Baldota, Baldota group; Ramprasath Manohar, Deputy Commissioner, were present.
