The State government is holding ‘Invest Karnataka -2016’ for three days from February 3 for attracting investment from domestic and global firms amid high-decibel criticism that the State is unable to stem the flight of investment to neighbouring States.
Hoping for an image makeover, the State is showcasing 145 projects for investors during the mega event, and 30,000 acres of acquired land for industrial purposes.
Minister for Medium and Large Scale Industries R.V. Deshpande has held road shows in different countries in the last few months in the run-up to the event.
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He spoke to
Q.Has the government set a target for attracting investment, given the gap between MoUs signed and actual investment of GIMs in 2010 and 2012?
No, these are hypothetical notions. We have not fixed any targets. We are more realistic. Investment is a continuous process. It’s not a process done in two or four or five days. The people must be aware of this. I am not in a mad rush [for investments]. MoUs signed have to be implemented and that is important.
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We are clearing the proposals that come to the State. Various factors like environment, industry policy, and human resources decide investment.
Industrialists are complaining that single-window agency (Udyog Mitra) has remained only on paper. Will the government change its functioning?
I understand the industrialists’ concerns partly. We are planning to bring officials from other departments on deputation or plan on delegating more powers to the Commissioner. We are taking steps towards ease in doing business by making processes online, introducing labour reforms, and deemed conversion of farm lands. Issues are always there. Even if I solve one issue, there will be another one. But, we are sensitive to issues [of industrialists].
How do you tackle infrastructure problems such as shortage of power?
As you know, we are confronting severe drought this year. We are depending on hydro power. Today, dams are only half full. Because of our initiative, we are adding 2,500 MW to 3,000 MW by June/July 2016. So that it will ease the problem of industrialists.
What is the government’s plan on promoting investment in Tier-II cities, which has not moved forward despite much talk on the issue?
Tier-II cities such as Mangaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi and Belagavi have all forms of connectivity — air, rail and road. We are developing airports in Kalaburagi and Shivamogga. Investors will go to small towns because of availability of human resources, land and labour. A lot of problems will be addressed if industries get dispersed.
Are you worried about incentives for investors provided by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu?
Whatever Naidu is doing, I am willing to appreciate. After all, he is doing things which are good for his State. But, please understand that Naidu tried to bring in Toyota and Volvo, and we got both.
I will compliment him. I am not worried about competition. After all, Andhra Pradesh is part of the country. Let him do well.