Adonis

Lending support to budding student

2010-05-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

When a poor student, surmounts the poverty and defies the established norms of securing ranks at the Pre-Univeristy examinations, obviously the student, parents and the college teaching faculty are simply elated, but the poverty could pose problems in such huge achievements. What Mr.Basayya Math has achieved in securing rank in the Arts stream of PUC examinations, is no small effort, given the parameters that the life had dictated, at his young age! Kudos to you, kiddo!

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/68182/he-overcame-twin-challenges.html

From the news article:
Basayya’s illiterate parents do not even know the course in which their son is studying. Basamma says: “He is learning because of his intelligence. I don’t know anything else than packing his tiffin box. As you all say he has scored good marks, he can study further. Although we are poor, we will try to continue his studies.”

What really touched me was his mother's comment "Although we are poor, we will try to continue his studies". I wanted to support this kid, with a small donation of Rs.10,000.00 towards his needs for furthering his higher education. When I made request amongst my friends circle, the response and support from them, made me dumbfound. Within 4 days, I have following friends support with their valuable donations, towards this goal:

Mr.KP Chandra Mohan - $20.00

Mr.Chandrashekhar Aithal - $10.00

Mr. Ramesh Gowda - 10.00

Mr. Srinivas Bhat - $20.00

Smt. Vasanthi - $10.00

Smt. Suma Subbu - $51.00

Mr. Neill Yamamoto - $20.00

Mrs. Bobbie Jordan - $20.00

Mr. Skanda Ammu - $21.00

Personal donation - $50.00

Total support - $232.00 (Rs.10,440.00 at the current rates)

Efforts are on to get in touch with the parents of this student, who is a resident at Bilebhavi village in Muddebihal taluk of Bijapur district, to appreciate their son's achievements and also share this small, collective financial support.

I would like to tender my sincere gratitude to all of my friends, for their support in this regard. Without their support, I would not have been able to help this talented student, in his pursuit for higher education. I cannot thank them enough.

Best regards,
Nagesh Tavarageri

Efforts towards JNNURM project for Hubli-Dharwad

2009-08-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Here are the important links that highlight the efforts that went into forcing the government machinery to include Hubli-Dharwad twin cities to the JNNURM project.

Initial requests to the Ministry of Urban Development
http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2006/03/inclusion-of-hubli-dharwad-under.html
Submission of application to President of India
http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2006/04/jnnurm-representation-to-president-of.html
Online petition to gather support from people across the globe
http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2006/04/online-petition-inclusion-of-hubli.html
Press coverage about NRIs participation
http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2006/04/nris-present-strong-case-for-hubli.html
Online petition submission to government departments
http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2006/05/submission-of-online-petition-by-email.html
Mrs.Sonia Gandhi formally approves JNNURM for twin cities
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1953067.cms
NRIs e-crusade through token hunger strike
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City/Bangalore/NRIs-on-e-crusade-for-JNNURM/articleshow/msid-2153643,curpg-1.cms
HDMC prepares CDP, under aegis of Mr.Manivannan Ponnaiah
http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2006/10/hdmc-goes-ahead-with-city-plan.html
Central Government declares inclusion of twin cities to JNNURM project
http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2009/07/hubli-dharwad-included-to-jnnurm.html

This is for your updates.

Thanks and have a good day.

Best regards,
Nagesh Tavaragerimath

Hubli Dharwad included to JNNURM

2009-07-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It gives great pleasure to share with you all that Hubli-Dharwad twin cities have been included onto the JNNURM program. A news article to this effect has appeared in TimesOfIndia, although the link is not working as I write this blog......

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4773708.cms

Hopefully this link will start to work shortly.

Congratulations to all the NRIs / local friends / relatives, who supported to press the government for inclusion of the twin cities to this program. The credit for this inclusion certainly goes to all who participated in a token one-day hunger strike / online petition signature rally.

Thanks and have a good day.

Best regards,
Nagesh Tavaragerimath

CADFORCE, Inc. Secures Strategic Investment To Strengthen Its Delivery Capacity And Expand Presence

2008-10-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Resultant Stability, Maturity, and Growth will Benefit Customers

Chennai, India, October 22, 2008: CADFORCE, a leading Los Angeles-based AEC outsourcing services company, on Tuesday announced a transaction wherein it will become an independent subsidiary of Neilsoft, a focused architectural and engineering outsourcing services company with an international presence. The combined group will have 900 employees worldwide. The move comes after the CADFORCE board of directors and shareholders found the Neilsoft proposal to be the most beneficial growth option for its customers, employees, and shareholders. The Neilsoft proposal offers specific steps to achieve CADFORCE’s goals of growth, expansion, and long-term stability along with strategic operational synergies.

Mr. Robert W. Vanech, CADFORCE’s Co-founder, commented, “Our aspiration for CADFORCE to become a leader in the architectural outsourcing services space gets a big boost with this transaction. I am happy that our shareholders saw the merit in this proposal. Our team can now take on larger projects while delivering greater value to our customers. Neilsoft’s international presence, combined with our Los Angeles presence, also strengthens our client servicing and hybrid model capabilities.”

Ms. Venetia Kontogouris, Managing Director of Trident Capital and Neilsoft Director, commented, “This is a very synergistic deal and will provide both an enhanced services portfolio and a mature delivery capability for CADFORCE. It will allow the CADFORCE team to expand beyond architectural services, and to provide structural and MEP services. Neilsoft will also bring its experience, tools, and methodology for quality management and work migration planning to CADFORCE, which is a significant value-add.”

About CADFORCE:

CADFORCE, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Neilsoft, is a provider of outsourced architectural and engineering services to the AEC industry. It uses a flexible and customer-specific project delivery approach backed by world-class infrastructure, experienced architects and engineers, and production facilities in Los Angeles, Chicago, Pune, Hubli, and Frankfurt. CADFORCE provides a range of design and construction documents production services on the Revit, AutoCAD, and MicroStation platforms. The firm also has substantial experience in production of BIM models and Revit modeling/library creation activities.

CADFORCE has customers spread across US and Canada and has domain expertise in healthcare, hospitality, educational, office and other commercial buildings.

For more information contact:

James Katz

CADFORCE

Ph: + 310 437-6302

Email: jkatz {at} cadforce(.)com

IT parks at B'lore, Mysore, Dharwad, Shimoga & M'lore

2008-10-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE: The State government has decided to develop five more Information Technology Parks (ITPs) at Bangalore, Mysore, Shimoga, Hubli-Dharwad and Mysore under the public private partnership (PPP) model.

The state-owned Karnataka Electronics Development Corporation (KEONICS) would be the nodal agency and land would be provided by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for establishing the projects that would be launched before December 15.

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa would lay the foundation stone for work on the Shimoga ITP on November 1. It would come up in an area spread over 25 acres.

Similarly work on the four other ITPs would be launched during November and December. Each ITP outside Bangalore is estimated to cost between Rs 20 crore to Rs 25 crore, IT and BT minister Kattasubramanya Naidu said.

Hubli and Mangalore already have an ITP and new ones had been planned to meet the future demands, he added.

The Bangalore IT park would come up near the Devanahalli International Airport on a 27-acre plot to be developed by Jain Heights, a private company.

It would be developed on walk-to-work model, where small and medium IT enterprises could start functioning right away after the completion of the project within 20 months.

IT & BT Authority soon

The state government will soon set up an exclusive IT & BT Authority to function as a facilitator for the speedy implementation of investment proposals in information technology and bio-technology sectors.

A draft bill for the purpose is being prepared and it would be introduced during the next legislature session.

The exclusive authority is being created in the light of complaints against the functioning of the present single window system in the industries department, Naidu said.

Chief minister Yeddyurappa has taken personal interest in reducing the time-gap between approval and implementation of the projects. The proposed authority would cater exclusively to facilitate investments in IT and BT sectors.

Action was also being taken to simplify the land conversion processes, issuing of clearances from the revenue department and Pollution Control Board and sanctioning of water and power connections under the single window system, he said.

Precision moves for engineers

2008-10-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

Oct 14 2008 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A PRECISION engineering company is expanding into markets worldwide – with the opening of new factories in the USA and India.

VTL Group, which supplies components for the automotive and Industrial sectors has two sites in St Thomas Road, Huddersfield and one site at Luddenden Foot in Halifax, has just commissioned a new production facility in Charleston, South Carolina, to serve its American customers.

The 20,000sq ft US facility, part of VTL’s Precision business, began operations last November and was officially opened last month by the Mayor of Charleston. It now employs about 35 staff which will increase to 70 by the end of 2009.

VTL is also in the early stages of developing another factory at Dharwad, Karnataka, southern India, to manufacture items such as automotive transmission components and precision machined industrial components for clients in the Far East and in Europe.

To this end VTL acquired a five-acre site in, where it is currently building a 35,000sq ft factory to begin operations in July, 2009, as Uni-VTL Engineering PVT Ltd. The site will have enough space for a further 35,000sq ft production unit to be added when needed.

VTL Group was formed in November, 2001, by joint owners David Clegg, Chris Elliott and Bruno Jouan when they completed a management buy-out of French-owned Valeo Transmissions Ltd in Halifax.

The business expanded with the 2006 acquisition of precision engineering firm Taylor & Whiteley Ltd – which now provides the TWL name.

TWL Precision makes components used in the manufacture of turbochargers, while TWL Engineering makes large precision shafts, forge tooling, jigs, fixtures and compressor housings.

Customers include Cummins Inc – the US-based parent of Cummins Turbo Technologies – Flowserve, Weir Minerals, Kodak and Wabco.

In total, VTL Group has 270 employees, including 140 at St Thomas Road where it occupies a factory built on part of the former Brook Motors complex. It has a further 95 employee’s in Halifax and 35 in the USA.

Since 2001, it has invested more than £12m in the latest technology to manufacture components for turbochargers for trucks applications and synchronizer rings for manual transmissions.

That investment has helped boost turnover from £8m to almost £39m in the space of seven years.

Mr. Clegg said the group had achieved success by carving a niche market in the UK and being able to compete with the three or four “big players” in Europe.

“We have used a recipe of continual improvement and investment in the right type and standard of machines,” he said.

“We have kept to the forefront of technology and we have focused on meeting tough targets from customers to supply defect-free products with 100% on-time delivery every week.”

Mr. Jouan said: “Having facilities across the world enables us to attract international customers who welcome having a supplier on their doorstep.”

QuEST Global Gets Govt. of India Notification

2008-10-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE, India, BUSINESS WIRE -- QuEST Global, a leading provider of outsourced engineering services and manufacturing, announced today that it has received the Government of India notification for its SEZ (Special Economic Zone) in Belgaum, Karnataka. QuEST Global has also received approval for the units that are coming up in phase 1 of the SEZ.
QuEST Global's SEZ will be a sector specific precision engineering SEZ, covering over 300 acres of land in the initial phase. This notification allows QuEST Global to lease out the land and also provide build-to-suit requirements in the SEZ to other prospects who would like to set up their business units in QuEST Global's precision engineering SEZ. The SEZ will provide world class infrastructure in the industrial estate, concentrating mainly on aerospace and automotive related industries. Phase 1 of the SEZ will be operational by December 2008, and Phase 2 is expected to be operational by June 2009.
QuEST Global SEZ has already signed up with 3 clients, namely QuEST Global Engineering, QuEST Global Manufacturing and Aerospace Processing India (API), a anodizing line, titanium etching, shot peen, paint and primer booth, MPI and FPI in the initial phase. QuEST Global Manufacturing will expand its existing precision machining operations that are currently set up in Bangalore and QuEST Global Engineering will set up an engineering services facility, to provide low cost engineering services.
By starting operations in Belgaum which is a Tier 3 town in India, QuEST Global Engineering is pioneering the way to ensure low cost delivery of engineering in the future also. QuEST Global has obtained specific unit approvals for all the 3 units along with a sanction for the industrial layout.
"Belgaum, as a hub for setting up a supply chain for the Aerospace industry, is the perfect destination as it is ideally located in the industrial heartland of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, thereby providing to a large number of manufacturing and machining talent. It is also excellently located in terms of logistics, being just off the Golden Quadrilateral NH4 highway (Bangalore-Pune-Mumbai highway), with proximity to 3 sea ports (Goa, Karwar and Mumbai) and 3 airports (Belgaum, Hubli and Kolhapur). In addition, the presence of a number of educational institutes in the region, will ensure a good supply of engineers at all levels. Along with engineering services and manufacturing, QuEST now has a precision engineering SEZ, of which are very few in the country. This move demonstrates QuEST Global's thought leadership, which sets it apart from its competitors," said Aravind Melligeri, Chairman & Co-founder, QuEST.

About QuEST
QuEST is a leading provider of outsourced engineering services and manufacturing. The company helps customers in the aerospace, power generation, oil & gas, civil structures, industrial products, and transportation verticals to cut product development costs, shorten lead times, extend capacity and maximize engineering resources availability by providing support across the complete product life cycle from design and modeling through analysis, prototyping, automation, data documentation, instrumentation and controls, embedded systems development, manufacturing support, vendor management, and in-house precision machining. Through our Global Product Development framework and our on-site/off-shore/on-shore models, we leverage our local presence and global reach to support globalization initiatives for our customers. QuEST employs over 1500 people and has delivery centers in India, USA, Italy, Japan and footprints in UK, Germany, France, Spain and China. For more information, visit www.quest-global.com.

Yeddyurappa and Ratan Tata likely to hold talks in a week

2008-10-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

You are welcome..: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa speaking to Managing Director of Tata Motors Ravikanth (second from left) at a meeting in Hubli on Sunday. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar (left) and Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani are seen.

HUBLI: Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani said on Sunday that a meeting between Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata was likely to take place in Bangalore in a week on the relocation of Nano car manufacturing plant.
He was addressing presspersons here after inspecting the proposed land identified for acquisition near Dharwad along with a team led by Managing Director of Tata Motors Ravikanth.
Earlier, the Chief Minister along with senior officials held talks with the team led by Mr. Ravi Kant here. This is Mr. Ravikanth’s second meeting with Mr. Yeddyurappa.
The Chief Minister, who was on a tour of Dharwad and Gadag districts on Saturday, chose to stay overnight here in the wake of Mr. Ravikanth’s visit.
The meeting lasted for around 30 minutes. The Tata Motors’ team included head of the Nano project Girish Wagh and general managers Kulkarni (Construction), Tapan Mukhyopadhya (Finance) and A.S. Puri (Legal). Mr. Nirani, Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Speaker of the legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar, Dharwad North MP Pralhad Joshi, Principal Secretaries Umesh (Commerce and Industry), M.R. Srinivas Murthy (Finance), Executive Member of KIADB Sham Bhat and Special Deputy Commissioner Shivashankar attend the meeting.
Mr. Yeddyurappa told presspersons that he had apprised the officials of Tata Motors of the congenial industrial climate in Dharwad. “We are ready to meet their requirement of land, water and power. Since the company has its other units in Dharwad, it will be easier for it to relocate the small car manufacturing unit here and the Government is ready to extend necessary concessions,” he said.
The Chief Minister declined to reveal details regarding concessions or exemptions being offered to Tata Motors. He said that his Government was making all efforts to attract industrialists and entrepreneurs to the State. As had been announced, the Global Investors’ Meet would be held in Bangalore on January 15 and 16, he added.
A total of 970.14 acres of land, surrounding the 300 acres of land allotted to Tata Motors for its Vendors’ Park, has been identified for acquisition by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB).
Mr. Nirani said that the team inspected the land adjacent to the Dharwad Growth Centre (Belur Industrial Estate) proposed for acquisition. “We also told them that the State Government is ready to help them in building residential townships for their employees,” he said.
Two five-star hotels and three three-star hotels would come up in Hubli and Dharwad soon as permission had been given to private players, he said.‘Impressed’
Mr. Nirani said that the Principal Secretaries and other senior officials would brief Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao on the meeting with the Tata Motors’ team. On what was the response of the team after land inspection, Mr. Nirani said although they were non-committal, they seemed impressed.

Tatas to decide on Nano plant's new site next week

2008-10-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Tata Motors Ltd would decide in a week on relocating the Nano manufacturing plant at Dharwad in north Karnataka from Singur in West Bengal after studying similar location offers in other states, Karnataka state industries minister Murugesh Nirani said late Sunday.

Tata Motors Ltd would decide in a week on relocating the Nano manufacturing plant at Dharwad in north Karnataka from Singur in West Bengal after studying similar location offers in other states, Karnataka state industries minister Murugesh Nirani said late Sunday.
Tata Motors managing director G. Ravi Kant, who inspected two sites adjacent to the company's existing facility near Dharwad, about 420 km from here, told Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa that he would get back in a week and arrange a meeting with group chairman Ratan Tata.
'Kant told the chief minister a decision to relocate the integrated plant near Dharwad or in other states would be communicated to him by next week. He also assured the chief minister a meeting with Tata,' Nirani told IANS from Dharwad by phone.
Sounding upbeat on the prospects of the state getting the Rs.15 billion ($750 million) Nano project, Nirani said besides land (about 1,000 acres), water and power, the state has agreed to provide whatever facilities, including concessions if any were required for the plant.
'We are positive of getting the Nano project, as the Tata group is already operating in the Belur industrial area, about 20 km from Dharwad, to manufacture construction/earth-moving equipment by Telcon and luxury buses in a joint venture with Marcopolo of Brazil. A Nano plant there will be strategic with many advantages, as the location is on the Bangalore-Pune national highway (4),' Nirani, an engineering graduate with an MBA, pointed out.
Admitting that it was up to the Tatas to decide on the relocation, Nirani said it was difficult to guess what decision they would take as they had to keep their business interests too.
'The state is doing its best to get the project. We have shown the locations where the plant can be set up. Most of the land (to be acquired) is barren or where only a single crop is grown,' Nirani said.
'We have spoken to farmers, land-owners and local body (panchayat) leaders. The compensation will be decided on the market price. There is consensus among the local people to give the land for such a project, which has a lot of socio-economic benefits to reap,' Nirani affirmed.
The state-run Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has already acquired about 500 acres of land and will acquire 1,000 acres more for the Tata project and other industries.
Earlier, after inspecting the two possible locations, Kant and three executives held an hour-long meeting with Yeddyurappa, Nirani and top officials to assess the project requirement and other related issues.
'The chief minister highlighted the advantage of locating the plant near Dharwad in terms of road, rail and air connectivity, its salubrious climate, peaceful industry-labour relations, peaceful socio-political environment and a centre of education,' Nirani added.
Kant also informed the chief minister that the decision of the Tatas to shift from Singur - where they faced protests from farmer groups and the Trinamool Congress - was final and the company was on the look out for an alternative site.
As several states came forward to offer land and other facilities to relocate the plant, the company was examining the proposals for a final decision soon.
Billed as the world's most inexpensive car at Rs.100,000, Nano was to be rolled out from the company's Singur plant later this month.
Prolonged agitation led by Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee and farmers who refused compensation for giving up their lands and unrest forced the Tatas to pull out of Singur.

Tata Motors team in Dharwad for Nano project

2008-10-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

Oct, 2008, 1141 hrs IST, IANS

BANGALORE: A Tata Motors team visited Dharwad district on Sunday to inspect the land offered by the Karnataka government for relocating the Nano small car project from Singur in West Bengal.

Tata Motors managing director G. Ravi Kant and senior officials of the company met Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa ahead of the site visit to discuss the slew of promises by the state government for setting up the Nano plant.

Tata Motors wants 1,000 acres of land for Nano as it is an integrated project. Karnataka has agreed to provide the land and other facilities.

The Tata group already has around 900 acres of land in Dharwad, 420 km north west of Bangalore, where it has been manufacturing earth-moving equipment since 1999 and is setting up a plant for luxury buses.

Tata Motors wants 1,000 acres more for the Nano. Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, who was also in Dharwad Sunday to meet the Tata Motors team, has said the government has 500 acres with it and finding another 500 acres in the area was not a problem.

Tata group chairman Ratan Tata announced on Friday in Kolkata that the Nano plant in Singur was being shut in view of the continuing agitation against it over land acquisition.

Soon thereafter, Yeddyurappa telephoned Tata and invited him to Bangalore to take forward the state's offer of land and other facilities for relocating the plant in Dharwad.

Ravi Kant had met Yeddyurappa in Bangalore last month when the offer was reiterated.

Karnataka team to meet Tata officials next week

2008-10-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Press Trust of India / Bangalore October 04, 2008, 14:01 IST

A team of officials from Karnataka were expected to call on top management of Tata Motors at Pune next week to impress upon the company to consider its offer for shifting the Nano car project to the state.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa swung into action soon after negotiations between Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata and his West Bengal counterpart Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee failed to resolve the impasse over the Singur project and the industry major deciding to bid good bye to Singur.

Yeddyurappa who had a telephonic conversation with Ratan Tata, invited him to visit Bangalore shortly for further talks on the offers made by him, which included 1,000 acres of land at Dharwad, close to the existing Tata Motors plant.

Yeddyurappa also asked his Principal Secretary V P Baligar and Industries Secretary Umesh to hold discussions with Tata Motors Managing Director G Ravikanth.

Meanwhile sources in the Chief Minister's Secretariat said two days ago a team of officials from Tata Motors were in the city for a discussion with state officials.

During the meeting it was briefed to them about the investment climate that existed in the state, besides the salubrious environs of Dharwad.

Sources said the officials team from the state also impressed on their Tata Motors representatives that in the event of the Nano project being established at Dharwad, it has proximity to Pune, where the firm has major manufacturing facility.

Support Requested - Akshaya Patra - In Final Round of American Express Members Project

2008-10-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

AKSHAYA PATRA HAS MADE IT TO THE TOP 5, OUT OF 1190 PROJECTS SUBMITTED, IN THE AMERICAN EXPRESS MEMBERS PROJECT AND HAS MOVED ON TO THE FINAL ROUND OF VOTING!

OUR PROJECT IS “FEEDING ONE MILLION CHILDREN DAILY”

For this final round of voting, only American Express card members are allowed to vote. Voting for this round ends Monday, October 13, 2008. You also must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia .

If you are an American Express card member, please visit http://www.membersproject.com/ to cast your vote.

o You will see our project "feeding 1 million children daily," along with the other finalists.

o Click on "feeding 1 million children daily." This will bring you to the Project Details page.

o Click on the "Vote For This Project" link on this Project Details page.

o If you were already logged in, you just voted and you are done.

o If you are not logged in, it will bring you to a page where you can log on as a card member. You will then be brought back to the project
details page. You will need to click on “Vote For This Project” again to cast your vote.

Please forward this to your friends, family and neighbors- anyone who might have an American Express card.

If your company's corporate credit card is American Express, please forward this to your colleagues.

The project with the most votes wins this final round and $1.5 million in funding from American Express.

If you do not have a card but still wish to support this cause you can log on to the Members Project discussion page (http://community.membersproject.com/category/Discussion-Board/3) and advocate for Akshaya Patra.

Akshaya Patra thanks you on behalf of the 960,000 children it serves daily. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Akshaya Patra at tapf.info@akshayapatrausa.org.

Sunil Mantri unveils Karnataka plans - Financial Express

2008-09-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mumbai-based real estate major Sunil Mantri Realty Ltd (SMRL) would promote projects worth around Rs 20,000 crore across the country in the next eight years, a top official of the company said.

Launching a residential project christened 'Mantri Royale' in Bangalore, Sunil Mantri, chairman of SMRL, said the projects would be part-funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt.
SMRL is betting big on Karnataka and Tier II and Tier III cities. He said the projects with an overall outlay of Rs 2,500 crore would be promoted in Karnataka in the next five years. The company's equity in Karantaka projects would be around Rs 500 crore and another Rs 500 crore will be a debt fund while the remaining funds would come from customer advances.

He said the company would launch two residential projects in 2008 and six mega township projects each with minimum of 25 acres in 2009 in Bangalore. SMRL has earmarked Rs 350 - Rs 400 crore for these projects, he added. In addition a township project covering 200 acres would be developed in Belgaum, a Tier II city in Karnataka.

Other Tier II cities in Karnataka under the company's scrutiny are Mysore, Bellary and Hubli, he added. Currently, SMRL has presence in 15 cities and will spread across to another 25 cities by 2012. He also said that budget houses in the range of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh would also be promoted in the coming years.

Metis launches Mcube - A Talent Enhancement School for students in Hubli

2008-09-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Plans to train 2000 students in year 2008-2009
Bangalore, Karnataka, IND, 2008-09-30 17:08:34 (IndiaPRwire.com)

Metis ERC India Pvt. Ltd, a group company of R&M Associates, providing Human Resource Development solutions to organizations, today announced the launch of its 8th talent enhancement school called Mcube, in Hubli. The launch took place at their centre at, Kataria Trade Centre, Koppikar Road. It is the gap between the candidates’s potential and the corporate’s requirements that Metis strives to fill by moulding, mentoring, and mobilizing the talent in the student community by empowering certain skill sets required by the corporate by the means of Mcube Talent Enhancement School. This will facilitate the corporate in finding industry ready talent.

The school will target students in the pre-final and final years of engineering colleges/MBA institutes/etc; and unemployed students.

Bringing forth the need for such a course and school, Rajesh Athihalli, CEO, Metis ERC India Pvt ltd, said, “The aim of the course is to empower the students with knowledge and enhance their competency, confidence, self-belief and discipline”. Adding Further, he said, “Mcube is an effort to bring to light the difficulties faced by the corporate in matters of recruiting the required talent. The ratio of employable talent in the Indian IT scenario is approximately 1:100. Effectively speaking therefore only about 15% of the student community is work place ready if we take into consideration other industries as well”.

M cube offers a two and a half month open program for fresh graduates. The training programmes focus on three verticals – technical, non technical (HR and administration) and retail sector. The course curriculum includes 6 modules to provide corporate with industry ready graduates. The modules cover topics such as attitude management, time management, self discipline and work-life balance, apart from giving guidance in business communication, presentation skills, business etiquette and organizational skills. It also helps in providing the necessary guideline for the group discussions, logical reasoning, quantitative analysis and resume writing.

The program has been formulated after intensive research based on feedback from clients. It will improve the quality and quantity of recruits resulting in lag less productivity and give the company a competitive edge. The main focal point of the program is to work in partnership with institutions to enhance employability through training and recruitment, ensure smooth transition for students from college to corporate life and bring relevance to his/her educational learning to business / corporate.

The school also offers placement assistance to students undergoing this training. The company plans to train around 2000 students in the year 2008 - 2009.

- End -

About Metis ERC India Pvt. Ltd

Metis ERC India Pvt. Ltd., founded in 2006, is a group company of R&M Associates. R&M Associates has built its reputation over the last 33 years by achieving excellence in end-to-end human resource consulting. Metis is a result of conscientious decision to generate the best for the training needs of organizations.

Metis strength lies in aligning the HRD initiatives to the Vision, goal and strategic growth plan of the organization. It breaks the old mould and introduces a quality undertaking with its programmes, by not just harnessing the people’s potential but focusing more on unleashing their hidden potentials which carves a path to the organization’s overall augmentation. For more information, visit: http://www.metisindia.com

Tata Motors surveys land in Dharwad-K'taka for Nano

2008-09-29T23:40:00.000-07:00

CNN-IBN
Published on Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 01:00, Updated on Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 01:13 in Nation section

New Delhi: Tata Motors may have found the Singur route an uphill climb, but Dharwad in Karnataka is ready to roll out the fast track for the Nano car project.

The Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has written to Tata Motors for further talks on the Nano plant being set up in Dharwad district of the state.

Tata Motors have already surveyed two sites in the district with the purpose of setting up a plant there. They are expected to reply by October 3.

Dharwad is a town about 425 kilometers from Bangalore and experts say that the land surveyed is perfect for a car plant. Firstly, because the farmers will readily part with the land, given its arid nature.

Some farmers led by the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) in Singur have been vehemently opposed to the acquisition of land for Tata Motors’ Nano car factory.

But in Dharwad, the Karnataka Chief Minister offers to remove all full stops.

Yediyurappa has reportedly offered to match the tax breaks and other benefits the West Bengal government had given Tata Motors plus 1,000 acres of land and other facilities

Anand Automotive Systems to set up 12 units; invest Rs200 cr

2008-09-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

The new units would come in the form of joint ventures with other component manufacturers

PTI
New Delhi: Auto component maker Anand Automotive Systems plans to invest Rs200 crore in setting up 12 new facilities across the country and expand capacities of two of its existing plants over the next three years.
“With the growth of automobile industry, the component sector is also growing very fast. We are planning to set up 12 new facilities across the country to manufacture various components in the next three years,” Anand Automotive Systems Chairman Deep C Anand told PTI.
The company would also expand the capacities of its Hubli (Karnataka) and Satara (Maharashtra) facilities during this period, he added.
“We will invest about Rs200 crore in these three years for setting up the greenfield units and in carrying out the expansion works. This amount will completely come from our internal accruals,” Anand said.
The company would set up four units in Chennai, which would supply components to Nissan and Hyundai, he said.
Besides, it also plans to set up three units in Singur, two units in Pune and one unit each in Gurgaon, Pantnagar and Parwanoo.
He said all the new units would come in the form of joint ventures with other component manufacturers.
“We will supply four different components to Tata’s Rs one lakh car ‘Nano´. For this we will set up three units at the Nano site,” Anand said.
The company would supply shock absorbers, exhaust systems, filters and air-conditioners to Nano, he added.

Karnataka government to meet TATA chief soon

2008-09-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE: Amid efforts of the West Bengal Government to bring back the Tata Nano project, the Karnataka Government is planning to meet Tata chief soon.
State Industrial Minister Murugesh Nirani said that the Government had sought a special meeting with Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group, to continue the negotiations on relocating the Nano project to Dharwad.
Principal Secretary (Industries and Commerce) V Umesh said Tata Motors’ officials visited two sites near Dharwad which could be offered by the State Government for the Nano project. Umesh said: “Already the land has been identified, one of which is about 800 acres and another is about 1,000 acres.’’ The identified land is said to be acquired for industrial purpose and would be provided to Tata.
Meanwhile, sources from Tata Motors said: “The company is yet to take a call on shifting the base. The offer from Karnataka Government is appreciable and a final decision will be taken soon.’’ ‘’If the land is acquired from farmers, they will be paid compensation based on the market rate and proper job opportunities in units will also be provided,’’ Nirani said.

Karnataka leads race for Nano project

2008-09-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Critical components being moved out of Singur factory.
Karnataka is emerging as the front-runner in Tata Motors' search for an alternative site for its ambitious Nano small car project, which is facing problems in Singur, West Bengal, owing to protests by unwilling land losers.
Meanwhile, goods are also being moved out of the factory site at Singur, reinforcing the view that the Nano will not be launched from West Bengal. Sources said vendors in Singur have been asked to stand by for instructions on moving out of the area.
Sources close to the development said critical components, like the die for the car, were being moved out. Officials in the logistics industry added that trucks had been booked to transport materials from the site.
As an alternative strategy till a new mother plant location is finalised and up and running, sources said limited numbers of the Nano will be rolled out both from Tata Motors' plants in Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) and Pune to meet the October deadline.
Both these sites were earlier earmarked as locations for satellite plants that were to be set up across the country to reduce freight costs.
Over the last few weeks, Tata Motors has also held talks with the Gujarat and Uttarakhand governments for a possible relocation of the project, but sources close to the development said Karnataka seems to be the most attractive location at this point.
Tata Motors Managing Director Ravi Kant had met top officials in the state including Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa a week ago. The chief minister offered 1,000 acres of land in the state for the Nano plant and said he would match the incentives provided by the West Bengal government.
The Tata group has 900 acres in the Belur industrial area in Dharwad, 425 km north-west of Bangalore, where it has a joint venture with Hitachi, a car manufacturing unit and a bus plant in joint venture with Marco Polo of Brazil.
In Pantnagar, the Mumbai-based company has over 1,000 acres, including a 350-acre vendor park, to manufacture the Ace mini-truck. Sources, however, said sufficient land might not be available for a mother plant.
Similarly, Pune, which is Tata Motors’ main plant, also does not have enough space for expansion or setting up a new car plant. Singur was to have an annual capacity of 500,000 cars.
Meanwhile, in West Bengal, government sources confirmed that goods were being moved out of the site but said the administration had no information on whether these belonged to the company or to the contractors and vendors working at the site, or even about the nature of the goods.
More than 20 containers have left the site and they included engineering material repacked into containers and pre-packed machinery that had arrived at the site and was not used. Some more containers that had arrived at the Haldia Dock System of Kolkata Port Trust and were booked to Singur had been diverted elsewhere in India, the goods transporter added. The cargo was booked under the Tata Motors name.

Land for Nano in Dharwad

2008-09-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

Bangalore, DHNS:
The Tatas seem to be inching towards Karnataka in their plans to relocate the prestigious Nano small car project from West Bengal.
Principal Secretary to Industries and Commerce Department V Umesh said on Monday that representatives of Tata Motors have identified land for the project in Dharwad, and the Government has no problem in handing over it.“Soon after Tata Motors representatives, led by MD Ravikanth, met Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa last week, they drove straight to Dharwad to identify the land. They have identified two plots in different locations. If they (Tata Motors) agree, we are ready to hand it over to them,” he said. The Government has sought an appointment with Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata. Major and medium Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani said, land will be made available to the company within three months.

Metropolis Health Services partners with RV Diagnostic Lab

2008-09-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

Metropolis Health Services (I) Ltd, India’s premier corporatised diagnostic centre chain today, announced its partnership with the Bangalore based RV Diagnostics laboratory. The new Joint venture will provide over 3,600 routine, highly specialized tests using latest technologies. The laboratory operating 365 days a year will offer a wide array of services to choose from which include Referral pathology & Imaging Services, Preventive Health check ups, Home health services, Wellness solutions, Clinical Trial Services and Site Management Organization under one roof.

The laboratory will also offer the four latest packages introduced by Metropolis recently - PACE (for corporate), Soul to Soul (pre-marital health check up), Preconception and Bodywatch (Comprehensive health package).

Metropolis is jointly promoted by Dr. Sushil Shah & Dr. G. S. K. Velu. On the occasion, Dr. Velu, Managing Director, Metropolis Health Services said, “It is our privilege to partner with RV Diagnostic; they have been around for 19 years and together we are looking forward to provide the best of services and technologies to the residents of Bangalore. Through this venture we will make available over 3,600 hi-end tests, latest technologies and new array of services like Home Health, wellness solutions to residents in Bangalore. Through our set up in Bangalore, we wish to establish our network across the state and offer a comprehensive range of quality tests and latest technology to everyone.”

Dr. Ravi Kumar H. N., MD, DCP, Managing Director, RV Diagnostic Laboratory, also shared his enthusiasm about the partnerships, “We are delighted to partner with Metropolis Health Services. Through this tie up, we plan to leverage the latest technology Metropolis offers, simultaneously offering value-added services to our clients. In addition, this partnership greatly enhances credibility by being associated with a brand with such international presence and acceptance.”

The partnership is one of the many steps Metropolis has taken to ingress into Karnataka. Presently Metropolis has a presence in Mangalore & Bangalore. In the coming years Metropolis plans to expand its foot hold in other parts of Karnataka viz Hubli, Belgaum, Hosur(outskirts of Bangalore) & Mysore.

Ms. Ameera Patel, Executive Director, Metropolis Health Services commented, “We consider Karnataka as one of the most important locations, strategically. We have made approximately Rs. 10 crores worth of investments in Karnataka and plan to invest another Rs. 10-20 crores in the coming 5 years. At present there are about 5-10 collection centres which should increase to another 30-40 in the coming years. Through our latest technology, quality control and accreditations, we plan to offer the finest services to the people of Karnataka.”

Metropolis continues to play an important role in the corporatization and streamlining of the diagnostic industry. It has entered into various partnerships both nationally and internationally, and has emerged as the only laboratory in India with international presence.

Land for Tata: What does Dharwad say?

2008-09-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

HUBLI: Here are some reactions to the government proposal of providing 1,000 acres to the Tata’s for the Nano project Madan Desai, industrialist, hailed Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa’s gesture and said it reflects his vision of development. If the Tata’s decide to shift the Nano project to Dharwad, the State would find a place on the international map of the auto industry, he said.
Dharwad would catch the world’s attention as the Nano is reportedly the world’s cheapest car. Dharwad would also put the Tata’s in a more advantageous position geographically as compared to Singur. The people of North Karnataka would remain grateful to Tata and the State government if the project fructifies, he said.
V P Linganagoudar, president, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the offer was a welcome step. This shows the government’s concern for industrial development in this part of region, he said. In case the Tatas decide to shift the Nano project to Dharwad, the industries around Hubli-Dharwad would flourish and auto-ancillary industries would get a boost. Apart from providing adequate land, the government should give the Tata’s all necessary infrastructure, he said.
B M Hansi, farmer leader of the region, said the State government had already acquired thousands of acres in the Belur industrial areas in Dharwad for industrialisation. The Tatas should be given 1,000 acres from this land instead of acquiring new land used by farmers. He also threatened to launch an agitation if the State government attempts to acquire the land used by farmers to accommodate the project. Waste-land that isn’t used should be acquired and kept aside for the project, he suggested.
D Y Patil, farmer leader, welcomed the decision. He said that the government, however, should acquire land which is not used by farmers.
He also said that first preference should be given to local people for employment in the Tata venture, and that too not just lower positions. The government should ensure that no farmer will be affected by its move, he said. N H Konareddi, farmer leader of Navalgund taluk, said that they have no objection to the government’s move. He said that if the government wants to acquire land used by farmers, it should buy this land paying good prices and not try to acquire it at throwaway prices. Besides, the government should also try and ensure that the farmers’ children get employed in Tata once it starts functioning.

Karnataka offers 1,000 acres to Tata Motors’ Nano car project

2008-09-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE: September 19, 2008: Amid controversy over Tatas' Nano car project in West Bengal, the Karnataka Government on Thursday offered 1,000 acres in case the company decided to relocate the project.
Tata Motors Managing Director G. Ravikanth met Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, Industries Minister Murugesh R. Nirani Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar at the State Secretariat and discussed about the car project. Though the Tata Motors not confirmed the relocation of the project, the company has been looking for alternatives for manufacturing cars without political disturbances, sources said.
Speaking to presspersons after a brief meeting with Chief Minister, Mr Ravikanth said Mr Yeddyurappa agreed to provide all support, assistance and required incentives to the company in the case of case of re-locating the plant. "The project requires about 1,000 acres of land. It is an integrated project,'' Mr Ravikanth said.
Asked if the Yeddyurappa Government has offered 1,000 acres of land, he said "yes'' and added "if we have to relocate, we have to have 1000 acres" Asked whether Tata Motors was looking at re-locating the plant, he said, "we are considering alternatives if required,'' indicating that a final decision to pull out from West Bengal in the wake of land allotment controversy was yet to be taken.
Tata Motors has a manufacturing facility at Dharwad, where it produces buses and tractors. Soon after Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata announced that he was not averse to shift the Nano car project from West Bengal, other states, including Karnataka, Punjab and Haryana invited the company.
Addressing presspersons, Mr. Yeddyurappa said "top executives of the Tata Motos met me and held discussions. But talks are at the initial stages." If the company pulled out from Singur in West Bengal, the BJP Government was ready to offer all facilities, he said.
"We will consider all their demands. If the project comes to Karnataka, the company has agreed to offer 1000 jobs to Kannadigas" the Chief Minister said.
Mr. Shettar, who represents the Hubli City in the Assembly, also appealed to Tata Motors to shift the company to Dharwad which is ideally suitable for the project.
The Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has been opposing the car proejct demanding handing over of 700 acres of land to farmers at Singur in West Bengal. This has delayed the production of cars, which is earlier scheduled in October.

EMC ties with B.V. Bhoomaraddi College

2008-09-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE, INDIA: EMC, the world leader in Information Infrastructure Solutions has announced the signing of an agreement, under the EMC Academic Alliance Program, between B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering & Technology (BVBCET) in Hubli, Karnataka, and its subsidiary, EMC (Benelux) B.V. SARL. Under this program, B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering & Technology, Karnataka will offer a course in Information Storage and Management technology to its students. The course is being offered to the students since July 2008. So far, EMC has forged alliances with over 100 education institutions in India reaching out to 5000 plus students.

As part of the EAA, B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering & Technology, Karnataka will receive vendor agnostic curriculum, course content, learning materials, faculty trainings and software simulators developed by EMC, to provide training to their students. EMC will also provide program support in terms of examination papers and sample assignments.

Commenting on the significance of the association, Dr. Ashok S. Shettar, B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering & Technology, Karnataka, said, "There is a paradigm shift of power from carrier to content and the key issue to be recognized is the importance of putting the information back to center stage. Information has to be organized and consolidated so that organizations can get maximum value out of it. We are happy to partner with the world leader in information infrastructure. The agreement with EMC will enable our students to learn about information management and storage, one of the most significant and also the fastest growing segments within the IT industry."

"We are confident that the partnership with EMC will help us produce industry ready graduates," he further added.

The EMC Academic Alliance program is an initiative by EMC to work with the leading educational institutions around the world to address the emerging knowledge gap in storage technologies and developing a resource pool of skilled, certified and industry ready storage professionals. This is the only program in the industry which offers a vendor neutral, product agnostic storage technology curriculum to the students. Some of the EMC Academies include NMAM Institute of Technology, Karnataka, R V College of Engineering, IIIT Bangalore, National Institute of Engineering - Mysore and Manipal Institute of Technology.

Elaborating on the momentum of EAA in India Alok Ohrie, President EMC India & SAARC said, "Organizations today are struggling to manage the sheer volume and complexity of digital information and are constantly looking for Information storage & management skilled professionals to manage their information infrastructure. In this context, Information management and storage has emerged as a promising career option. At EMC, we are committed to empower students with the requisite skills that will enable them to succeed in this domain."

"Since its inception, our education program has evoked an overwhelming response in India. We have already tied up with over 100 leading education institutions. We are extremely proud to partner with BVBCET, a reputed technical institute," he added.

On the successful completion of the EMC Academic Alliance Program, students will receive a certificate from B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering & Technology, Karnataka and EMC acknowledging the completion of the course. These students will be better prepared to clear the EMC Associate Storage Technologist Examination, one of the world's most recognized information storage and management certification.

*According to the IDC whitepaper: "The Expanding Digital Universe: A Forecast of Worldwide Information Growth Through 2010" information will grow at a CAGR of 57 percent between 2006 and 2010 and APAC excluding Japan will grow 30 to 40 percent faster than the mature economies*

Tata Motors officials to meet Karna CM on Sept 18

2008-09-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

A team of senior level officials of Tata Motors, headed by its Managing Director G Ravikanth will call on Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on September 18.

The meeting assumes significance in the backdrop of Karnataka inviting the company to shift its Nano car project from Singur to Dharwad, where the firm already has a manufacturing facility.

The state Cabinet recently resolved to invite the Tatas and promised to provide the required land and other facilities for the project.Sources in the Chief Minister's secretariat confirmed that an official team from Tata Motors would meet Yeddyurappa on September 18.

Tata Motors manufactures buses and tractors at the Dharwad plant

Murthy calls for rural IT literacy programme

2008-09-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE: N R Narayana Murthy, chairman of Karnataka's vision group on IT, has suggested that the government take initiatives to provide free 64 kbps internet connectivity to every government-run middle and secondary school in Karnataka. He has also suggested that the government start a project to put Kannada encyclopaedia, as well as Kannada textbooks on science, mathematics, literature, history and geography on the internet. In a letter addressed to chief minister B S Yeddyurappa , Murthy said the suggestions would help in making rural children learn IT literate and give them access to opportunities in the modern world, and would go a long way towards the upliftment of rural areas. "Unless we can make life better for the poor in rural areas , it is unlikely that we can claim to have progressed in our developmental agenda," Murthy said in the letter. The Infosys chief mentor also called for restarting the programme to provide IT literacy to young men and women outside Bangalore by engaging expert companies in the field. He said he had started the scheme during S M Krishna's regime but was discontinued. He suggested dividing the state into 8-10 regions. He said bids could be called from companies specializing in IT literacy and then select one each that best suits a particular area. Murthy also noted that professor C N R Rao has done noteworthy work in creating student-friendly chemistry textbooks to raise the interest of children in chemistry. On the same lines, he suggested experts from IISc, IIT and regional engineering colleges could be invited to produce student-friendly textbooks in science, technology and mathematics. To attract more rural BPOs and call centres that provide services in Kannada, Murthy suggested the government should support them by providing free infrastructure - rent-free building - for at least two years, particularly if they are serving the state government's needs. He also suggested starting rural focus activities at the Hubli centre of the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-B ), a project that will cost approximately Rs 5 crore.

Industrialists from US to invest in Karnataka - Nirani

2008-09-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

Hubli September 11, 2008: Minister for Large- and Medium-scale Industries Murugesh Nirani today said that industrialists from US were interested in investing in medical, solar and IT field in Karnataka.
He was addressing the press during his visit to participate in a programme of the BJP Government. Nirani said about Rs four lakh crore was expected to flow in the state in the coming years. This promise was made to a team of ministers from the state during their visit to the United States recently, he said.
The team met more than 800 investors in US, who showed keen interest to invest in various industries in Karnataka, he added. The State Government had decided to hold investors' meet in Bangalore in January to attract more number of investors. Similarly, another meet would be organised in Hubli and Dharwad, he added.
Claiming that BJP Government in the state had met the expectations of the people, he said most of the promises made were set in motion for implementation.
Many developmental projects were taken up in North Karnataka, he said adding that the Government was keen on developing IT park in Hubli and Aryabhata IT project.
He said many more programmes would be implemented for the welfare of the people in the coming years.

More investors join IT park

2008-09-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

Two Bangalore-based and three newly-incorporated local companies have taken up nearly 28,000 square feet of space in the Hubli IT park recently raising the hopes of attracting more investors to the park dubbed a white elephant. Keonics is managing the IT park located at Tirakaramanakere in Hubli.
Developed by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) for Rs 45 crore, the IT Park had failed to attract investors for over three years due to a lack of infrastructure in the city and uncompetitive rentals demanded by Keonics. A lack of connectivity was cited as another reason.
The first one to set up its unit in IT Park accepting the special package announced by the state government during the IT Investors’ meet in Hubli in May 2005 was Neilsoft, a Pune-based engineering software solutions company.
Bangalore-based Augen Technologies Software Solutions (http://www.augentech.com) and Aksatech Solutions (http://www.aksatech.com) have between them taken 18,500 sq ft space for expanding their operations to the tier-II city.
The newly-incorporated Vizteck BPO Solutions, Squtech and Intense Software Solutions are the other companies planning to set up base in IT Park. Two of the companies have already taken possession of the space and have begun interior works while the others have given their acceptance letters.
The state government recently offered a special rate of Rs 9 per square foot to investors who take up the first 50,000 sq ft of the available space on offer

Coming soon: New version of an IT park

2008-08-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE: The IT City will soon have another IT park, but with a difference. The 2,000-acre facility housing IT, BT, hardware, nano and aviation industries, will come up not on a single piece of contiguous land but will be more like a chain of industrial areas linked by good roads. It will be set up under the public private partnership (PPP) mode.

IT-BT minister Katta Subramanya Naidu told reporters here on Wednesday that such an effort will not only retain industries in Bangalore, but also invite more industries to the city. “We have received several requests for large tracts of land by many industries. This project will fulfil all their needs,’’ Naidu said.

According to him, the government plans to drop the process of compulsory land acquisition for this park and explore other options. A smaller IT and small and micro industries park will come up in Bangalore on a 25-acre area. Nearly 300 firms have already submitted requests for land in the park. It will be taken up under the PPP model by the state-run electronic industries corporation Keonics.

The state also plans to set up a 500-acre IT park in Hubli and a 200-acre IT park in Belgaum. The minister has already met representatives of the chambers of commerce and industries from Hubli and Belgaum.

“IT parks will also come up in other tier-II cities like Shimoga, Gulbarga, Mangalore and Mysore. The state is considering a request by Wipro technologies for a 100-acre land in Mysore for a faculty training university,’’ he said.

Alumni Association - Karnataka University, Dharwad

2008-08-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
KARNATAK UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, DHARWAD.

We cordially invite you to the
Inauguration of the
Alumni Association of Karnatak University
on 12th of August
at Golden Jubilee Hall, Karnatak University Campus.

President Vice President Gen. Secretary
-------------------------------------------------------------

Karnatak University has been in the forefront of quality higher education in north Karnataka for almost 60 years. Consistently rated the highest by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council of India, Karnatak University spread over 700 acres of green campus is an icon of classical University. During the past sixty years, millions of students have crossed this hallowed portal of higher education and are now very successful citizens. Today we have millions of such successful alumni wanting to connect with their alma mater. In order to facilitate this, we have now created a Alumni Association of Karnatak University which is registered as a Society under the Karnataka Society’s Registration Act. This year will mark the inauguration of the Alumni Association and the beginning of a new era in higher education of involving our alumni- an important stake holder in all acts and programs of the University. Let us all come together to make this Alumni Association the best and next home.

Dr. S K Saidapur
Vice Chancellor, Karnatak University
Hon President, Alumni Association of KUD.

Inauguration of the Alumni Association
of Karnatak University, Dharwad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date : 12 August 2008
Venue : Golden Jubilee Hall, Karnatak University, Dharwad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program

11.00 Tea
11.30 Invocation

Welcome by President Dr. S K Saidapur,
Vice Chancellor, KUD
Lighting of the Lamp

Address by Vice President, Dr. M I Savadatti,
Former Vice Chancellor,
Mangalore University

Launch of the website Dr. B G Mulimani,
& Address of Chief Guest Vice Chancellor,
Gulbarga University

Presentation of the website Dr. M S Subhas
Gen Secy, AAKU

Address by Guest of Honor Dr. Sankappanavar
Professor and President
AAKU - New York.
Release of the A-4 handout

Vote of Thanks

Lunch

2nd Meeting - People's Agenda for Hubballi‑Dharwad & North Karnataka

2008-07-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

(A joint initiative of HubliCity-eGroup & Rashtrotthan Sankalp; 9343410062, 9916135836)

The second meeting of People's Agenda was organized on 13th July 2008 as resolved in the 1st meeting held on 22nd June. The gathering was updated on the follow-up actions taken during the period. The same are listed below:

1. Delegation of the Group was invited by HDMC Commissioner. A detail discussion on our People's Agenda took place and most of the points in the Agenda were included in the City Development Strategy (CDS) and the HDMC presentation made to the Chief Minister during the Samvada Programme. The People's Agenda was submitted to the CM.

2. A RTI application has been filed by Santosh Nargund with the Karnataka Road Development Corporation (KRDCL) to find out the status of the Hubli-Dharwad ring road.

3. RTI applications have been filed with SW Railway and the KPWD by Sunil Nalavade to repair the damaged portions of the recently asphalted Karwar Road in Hubli.

4. Prof. Veermahantesh Swamy had written to the India Metrological Dept. requesting a Met Office in Hubli. We are informed that a Met Office would be soon operation in Hubli.

5. During our interaction with the HDMC Commissioner, we had highlighted that the existence of Hubli Dharwad One Bill payment facility had not been given enough publicity. Later during the last week our members visited the two centres at Hubli and Dharwad respectively to observe the facility. It was found that the facility is working quite good with about 10 counters in each centre. However, it was felt that the facility needs more publicity and atleast one more centre each in Hubli and Dharwad need to be opened. Billboards informing the citizens in Kannada and English could be put up on the Hubli-Dharwad Highway and other prominent places in the twin cities.

Members were informed that as per the resolution in the 1st meeting a Action group for 24/7 water supply would be formed and proper follow-up would be done after studying the State Budget scheduled on July 17, 2008.
Mr. Vivek Pawar of Sankalp Semiconductors and Mr. Mahantesh of Vayavya Labs made a presentation on why industry is dragging its feet from investing in North Karnataka. They also spoke about social aspects of people migrating away from their home-towns. They announced that soon a campaign called "Back to Roots" to attract people back to their home-towns would be started.

The Second Session of the meeting was an interactive session on Traffic in the twin cities with the DCP (Traffic), Mr. Dilip and Supt. Engineer, HDMC, Mr. M. Narayan. The Agenda prepared by the group is attached with this MoM. Responding to the agenda Mr. Dilip said that a Toll Free Traffic Helpline number will be operational by end of Sep. 2008. Members requested the DCP to ensure proper tracking of the complaints and suggestions received over the helpline and also publish the status of the complaints on Internet and other means, to which the DCP agreed. Mr. Dilip felt that people should cooperate and participate in Traffic management and invited the members to step forward and work together with the Traffic Police. Mr. Dilip also said that due to shortage of staff and resources, the traffic police is not able to meet all the requirements. He requested the citizens to volunteer as traffic wardens to ease the pressure on staff and promised to do train volunteers for the job.

Mr. Narayan, SE, HDMC, emphasized on the four Es – Engineering, Education, Enforcement, & will of Elected representatives for effective traffic management. He suggested that portable weigh bridges could be procured by the department concerned for checking violations on the spot. He agreed that speed breakers need to be constructed as per standards and assured that proper painting of the humps would be taken up. He informed the members that HDMC is working with the traffic department in identification of No-parking zones and removal of encroachments of footpath by vendors and he sought the cooperation of citizens in same.

For more information on the Agenda write to Hubli City Group/ Rashtrottan Sankalp at info.rastr@gmail.com / sunilnalavade@gmail.com. The details of the People's Agenda is avialalbe at http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/activities24 The related media reports are available at http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/gallery222 JAI HIND http://rastrindia.googlepages.com

Thank you!
Jai Hind!Rashtrotthan Sankalp
http://rastrindia.googlepages.com
09916135836, 09886024990
info.rastr@gmail.com

Photos of recent meetings are available on the web @:
http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/gallery

Efforts on to attract NRI investment for infrastructure

2008-07-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Raviprasad Kamila
Government proposes to set up NRI cell for the purpose: Ganesh Karnik

‘The move is also meant to ensure their welfare’
MLC Ganesh Karnik appointed co-ordinator of the cell

MANGALORE: The non-resident Indians cell (NRI cell), which the State Government proposes to set up, will not only make efforts to attract investments but also focus on welfare of the NRIs.
Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has designated Ganesh Karnik, MLC, as co-ordinator of the cell.
Mr. Karnik told The Hindu that the Chief Minister passed an executive order to this effect on June 30, appointing him as the co-ordinator.

“The process of constituting the cell is under way. It will formally take off once a notification is issued to that effect,” he added.

Mr. Karnik, who represents South West Teachers Constituency in the Legislative Council, said that previous governments had constituted foreign direct investment cell (FDI cell) and Karnataka Diaspora Cell to invite foreign investments. But both the cells had become non-functional.

Hence the NRI cell should start from scratch. The objectives of the cell would include welfare of NRIs, technology transfer and attracting investment for infrastructure development and industrial and software sector development in the State. The cell would focus on investments in research and development activities, he said.

Mr. Karnik said that the NRIs were facing many problems abroad. The cell would identify the problems and help in resolving them. “The cell will convey to them that there is someone to take care of them,” he said.

He said that a majority of NRIs, particularly from Karnataka, were technocrats. Their services would be availed for transfer of technology after identifying the sectors.

Asked if the cell would try to bring investment for the development of Mangalore airport, Mr. Karnik said he was yet to decide on that. He, however, said that a four-lane flyover could be built from Maravoor on Mangalore-Bajpe Road to Kenjar, where the new terminal building of Mangalore airport was coming up.

A railway station at Maravoor was required because the railway line passes through that place. The flyover would provide a direct connectivity between the new terminal building and Mangalore city at Maravoor and the railway station there, he added.

Since the construction of a flyover called for huge investment, he would explore the possibility of roping in NRIs to fund the project, he said.

Full text of CM's budget speech

2008-07-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Hon’ble Speaker, 1. I deem it a privilege to present the budget for the year 2008-09. I am indebted to the people of Karnataka who have given me an opportunity to present the third consecutive budget of the State.
2. The political uncertainty of more than six months has ended and State of Karnataka has come out of President’s Rule. The people of Karnataka have not liked the coalition government experiment and have shown their preference for a stable single party government. The mandate for the Bharatiya Janatha party in the recent elections is indicative of this. I heartily thank and compliment the people of Karnataka for this mandate.
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3. With the installation of BJP government in Karnataka, a new era has begun in the history of South India. Karnataka’s people have voted BJP to power, to bring about development, stability and a responsive administration. The responsibility to accelerate the process of development for meeting the aspirations of the people is on our shoulders now.
It is the responsibility of our government to turn the dream of the poet Laureate Kuvempu of building a prosperous state. We shall have to make honest efforts to honour the sentiments and meet the expectations of the people. 4. I have taken oath as Chief Minister in the name of our farmers. The time has come to redeem the pledge we made for alleviating the distress and sorrow from the life of our farmers. I have moved the entire length and breadth of the state to directly understand the difficulties of the farmers. Solutions to the problems of the farmers can be found only by having a direct dialogue with them. Based on the wise and practical suggestions made by our farmer friends, I have tried to formulate certain programmes through this budget for mitigating their problems. I am proud to say that this is a pro-farmer budget.
5. I believe that while presenting our government’s strategy for development in the budget for this year, it is appropriate to think about the current economic situation of the entire country.
6. During the last 5 years, our national economy has achieved a growth rate of 8.7 percent. But, in view of the present economic conditions, characterized by high rate of inflation and tight monetary policy, the growth rate is likely to slow down. The rate of inflation at 11.89% which is the highest in the last seven years has adversely affected the prices of food grains and edible oils, causing severe hardship to the poor people. The measures taken so far by the Government of India in improving supplies and controlling prices through monetary policy have had limited impact. The Reserve Bank of India has initiated several measures to tighten the monetary policy for bringing a balance in financial management. In this background, there is no doubt that the economic growth in our state is going to be affected by the prevailing uncertainty at the national and international level.
7. Within a month of taking the responsibility of the state’s administration, our government has had to take steps to reduce the impact of increases in the prices of petroleum products by reducing sales tax. Due to the reduction of sales tax on petrol, diesel, etc., we have to face a reduction of about Rs.380 crores in our revenues. Due to reduction in state sales taxes, the price of petrol has gone down by Rs.1.35 per litre and the price of diesel has been reduced by 65 paise per litre. The price of cooking gas has also been reduced by Rs.10.34 for a cylinder. Even after taking these initiatives, the prevailing prices of petroleum products in our state are higher than those in other states. The reason for this is that the oil companies have fixed their basic prices for sale in Karnataka at a higher level. I have appealed to the Government of India to set right this imbalance.
8. The state has got limited financial resources and very restricted fiscal space to control such high inflation. Therefore, I request the Government of India through this house to take effective measures to control inflation.
State of Economy
9. As the Hon’ble Members are aware the growth of Karnataka’s economy during the last six years has been adversely affected due to adverse seasonal conditions and the consequent poor performance in the sector of agriculture. During the 10th Five Year Plan the growth of the Gross State Domestic Product was at an average of 6 per cent per annum (at constant prices 1999‑2000) as compared to 7.8 per cent per annum of the Gross Domestic Product of the Country. The growth of the state’s economy has improved from 6.2 per cent in 2006‑07 to about 7 per cent during 2007‑08 taking the GSDP to Rs.2,15,282 crores (at current prices). The per capita income at current prices was estimated to be Rs.37,576 during 2007‑08 as per advance estimates.
10. The bulk of the GSDP is contributed by the services sector which has a share of 55.72 per cent followed by the secondary sector including manufacturing and mining with a share of 25.16 per cent. The primary sector (Agriculture and allied activities) which provide employment to about 56 per cent of the state’s work force is estimated to contribute 19.13 per cent of the GSDP.
11. During the 11th Five Year Plan period it shall be the state’s endeavour to step up the rate of growth to about 9 per cent which will correspond to the growth target for the country. The sectoral composition of the GSDP of Karnataka and the sluggish growth of the agricultural sector point to the need for accelerating the growth in the primary sector from less than 2 per cent to over 4 per cent in the near future. Similarly, the services sector which has shown a high level of growth of over 9 per cent in the past will need to be supported to sustain and accelerate its growth using the favourable factors of human resources and the knowledge base in the state. The manufacturing sector which has shown a growth rate of about 6 to 7 per cent in the recent years needs to be supported to further improve its performance. The above factors point to the conclusion that while the state needs to mobilise larger investments in the agricultural sector it will also have to attract increasing amounts of private investments in the industrial and services sectors.
State Finance 12. Even though the growth of Karnataka’s economy has been somewhat below the national average during the recent years the state’s fiscal performance during the recent years has shown considerable improvement thanks to a set of fiscal reforms adopted since the year 2000‑01. This has resulted in the state achieving and maintaining a revenue surplus position every year since 2004‑05 besides containing the fiscal deficit to less than 3 per cent of the GSDP during the same period. As a result the state’s debt stock which amounted to Rs.60588 crores is within 30 per cent of the GSDP, by 2007‑08. The total debt servicing liability including interest payments during 2007‑08 was Rs.6018 crores amounting to14.73 per cent of the state’s revenue receipts.
13. The path of fiscal reforms adopted by the Government of Karnataka has received the acclaim and support of the 12th Finance Commission and the Central Government. The state’s example in adopting fiscal reforms legislation as far back as 2002 has been emulated by other states in the subsequent years. The state has also benefited considerably by the debt consolidation and waiver scheme recommended by the 12th Finance Commission.
14. At this juncture it is necessary for the state to carry forward the implementation of the fiscal reforms measures adopted in the past to ensure financial stability on a long term basis. It will therefore be imperative on our part to continue to reduce non development and revenue expenditure and conserve resources for capital investments.
15. Our government is committed to pursing a vision of building a prosperous Karnataka to ensure a better quality of life to all the citizens of the state both in the rural and urban areas. Accelerating the pace of development shall be the mantra of our administration. Further, we are committed to according high priority to the balanced development of the different parts of the state and the early upliftment of the weaker sections belonging to all castes and communities. We must combine economic growth with social development to achieve the welfare of all. 16. In all humility I would like to recollect that the two budgets presented by me in the previous coalition Government have been appreciated by the common people and experts alike. The programmes introduced by us for the welfare of the farmers, agricultural workers, scheduled castes and tribes, minorities, women and the youth have become household name. Schemes like Bhagyalakshmi, Sandhya Suraksha, Suvarna Kayaka, Adarsha Vivaha and free bicycles for students will continue this year also.
Karnataka’s development: a Vision
17. Karnataka is acclaimed the world over as a progressive state. Its capital Bangalore is among the foremost centres of technology at the global level. The quality of human resources in the state has the potential to put the state in the forefront of the developed regions in the country. During the last six decades since independence the state has achieved considerable progress, and yet we have a long way to go in realising our development dreams. The present development ranking of the state is 7th position among the major states of the country. This is not in keeping with the immense potential and the high aspirations of the people of Karnataka. The vision of our government is to put Karnataka at the top of the developed states of the country and make it a model state.
18. The blueprint for realising the full potential of the state for development is being worked out in the form of a vision document ‘Karnataka 2020’ by a team set up for the purpose. This blue print will unfold the strategy for achieving the total eradication of poverty, eliminating regional imbalances in the state, upgrading the facilities for an orderly and comfortable life for the people in both rural and urban areas, and promoting social and economic equality in the state.
19. I request the people of the state, leaders of all political parties and elected peoples representatives to co-operation in preparing this blue pring by giving suggestions. Our government would like to lay the foundation for a prosperous Karnataka during the next five years by following the development strategy as outlined below:
*Over 60 per cent of the people of Karnataka depend upon agriculture and related activities for their livelihood. It shall be the endeavour of the government to promote the overall development of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, sericulture, and related activities in order to make these occupations remunerative and sustainable ;
* Basic necessities of housing, water supply, sanitation, roads, electricity, health and educational services shall be provided to all the people living in over 56000 villages and hamlets of the state;
* The cities and towns of the state including Bangalore , which is the pride of India, shall be provided with infrastructure and civic amenities befitting the progressive image of the state within the shortest possible time;
* The development of human resources to create 10 lakh additional employment opportunities in the growing manufacturing and services sectors with a period of five years;
* The creation of infrastructure for industrial development in all the districts and to promote industrial corridors across the state. Attracting maximum investment in industries and services is the highway to the States progress;
* The promotion of public private partnership for the speedy development of highways, railway lines, ports, airports, industrial estates, and power generation plants for the industrial development of the state;
* The conservation of the cultural and linguistic heritage and the development of arts and literature to enrich the cultural life of the people. Further, to promote tourism to highlight the splendour of Karnataka’s heritage and natural beauty;
* The implementation of special measures for supporting the economic and social advancement of the weaker sections and the minorities;
*The conservation of the richness and variety of the State’s flora and fauna and the protection of environment to ensure the quality of life of the State’s citizens;
*To nurture the democratic traditions and institutions of the state including the Panchayat Raj institutions and urban local bodies for efficient, responsive and citizen oriented governance;
Highlights of the revised Budget 2008-09
20. Based on the vision and ten point strategy speltout above, I would like to draw the attention of the members of the House to the highlights of the revised budget of the state for 2008-09.
Agriculture Sector
* 15 lakh irrigation pump sets up to 10 HP will get free power with effect from 1-8-2008. A provision of Rs.2,050 Crores as subsidy has been made in the budget.
*Small and marginal farmers dependent on dry land agriculture are facing severe hardships due to failure of monsoon during this year. There is a need to provide support to about 50 lakh families on dry land farming. The Government has decided to provide Rs.1,000 for every family of small and marginal farmers as a special measure for purchasing seeds, fertilizers and agricultural implements. Crores has been provided.
* Incentive of Rs. 2 per Liter to the milk farmers. For this purpose subsidy of Rs. 130 Crores is allocated.
*Revolving fund of Rs. 500 Crores for agriculture.
*The farmers, weavers and fishermen will be given loans from co-operative societies at 3 percent per annum rate of interest
*For the comprehensive development of agriculture and allied activities, a Karnataka Agriculture Mission is proposed to be setup under the chairmanship of Chief Minister.
*A special board will be setup for the statewide promotion of organic farming. As a supportive measure Rs.2,000 per family is proposed in 1,000 organic farming villages.
*To rejuvenate 36,000 tanks in the state, on the lines of Jala Samvardhane Yojane, an integrated plan will be prepared and implemented.
*To facilitate improved water resources management and regulation in the state, Karnataka Water Resources Regulation Authority will be formed.
*Suitable legal frame work will be formed for better management of ground water resources in the state.
Gram Panchayath
*Monthly honorarium will be paid to 90,000 members of gram panchayaths.
*An integrated plan will be prepared to supply drinking water to all gram panchayaths and urban areas from lakes and rivers.
*Establishment of cyber kendras in all gram panchayaths.
Education
* Private high schools started in the year 1993 and 1994 will be admitted to grant-in-aid.
*This year Rs.958 crores will be provided to support Sarva Shiksha Abhiyana.
* Bicycles will be provided to all children studying in the 8th standard in the Government and aided schools through the state except major cities. Over 7 lakh children will benefit from this scheme. An amount of Rs.140 crores has been provided.
* 37 I.T.I.s will be upgraded at a cost of Rs.100 crores.
* An amount of Rs.17 crores has been provided to establish I.T.I.s in 9 talukas, where there are no ITI's.
*To facilitate higher education interest subsidy at the rate of 6 percent per annum for college students who obtain loan.
*The boarding & lodging charges of hostels for schedule castes/tribes, backward students will be increased from Rs. 450 to Rs. 650.
* ‘Karnataka Knowledge and Higher Education Commission’ will be set up for improving the standard of higher education.
*Rs.2 crores will be provided for establishing Karnataka Sanskrit University at Bangalore.
* A provision of Rs.5 crores has been made to establish an agriculture university at Raichur. At Bagalkot an agricultural university with emphasis on horticulture will be established.
*A development grant of Rs.25 crores will be provided to the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences at Hubli.
* Establishment of private universities will be encouraged.
Health:
*To provide emergency health care with the help of fully equipped ambulances in every taluka, ‘Arogya kavacha’ scheme will be started under public private partnership. To start this scheme on a pilot basis, an amount of Rs.10 crores has been provided.
* An allocation of Rs.30 crores has been made under `Thayibhagya' scheme for providing maternity care in Government and private hospitals.
Social Welfare:
*The monthly pension being given to the old, widows and physically challenged will be disbursed through smartcards and other e-governance tools.
* A special scheme for the development of koraga community.
*To provide financial assistance to the associations of Kshtriya, Uppara, Savitha, Madiwala, Devanga, Kumbara, Kambara, etc.
*A provision of Rs.15 crores has been made for building Shaadi Mahals for the minorities.
Women Welfare:
* Financial assistance to girl children under the Bhagyalakshmi scheme, the amount has been raised to Rs.One lakh. For this purpose Rs.266.65 crores has been allocated.
* SHGs will get financial support at 6 percent interest.
Physically challenged:
* The pension for physically challenged persons having disability of 75 percent or above will be raised to Rs.1,000 per month.
Senior citizens:
*A concession of 25 percent will be provided for senior citizens above 65 years of age traveling in a state road transport buses.
Child development:
* For the integrated development and welfare of children, “State Child Development Academy” will be set up.
Housing:
* Now onwards, the cost of construction under the Ashraya housing scheme is increased to Rs.40,000 per house.
Bangalore Development:
* Rs.1800 crores is provided for infrastructure development of Bangalore.
* Nadaprabhu Kempegowda housing layout to provide 60,000 sites at a total cost of Rs.2610 crores through BDA.
*To facilitate seamless travel in outer ring road, Rs.350 crores will be spent to construct 10 flyovers and underpasses.
*Peripheral ring road with a project cost of Rs.3,000 crores, through public-private partnership.
* High speed rail link to Bangalore city-International airport will be executed soon.
* To expedite Bangalore Metro and phase-2 preparation, Rs.700 crores is allocated.
* On public-private partnership 40 multi level parking sites will be developed.
Infrastructure
*To develop 7 major cities in the state, a special grant of Rs.700 crores is proposed. This year an allocation of total Rs.350 crores, at the rate of Rs.50 crores per city is made. Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Davangere, Bellary, Mysore and mangalore will be benifited.
* To implement the drinking water supply augmentation project in Hubli-Dharward, Rs.136 crores is allocated.
* Karwar port will be developed on public private partnership model.
*12 crores is provided to develop Malpe fishing harbour.
* A financial support of Rs.50 crores is provided to the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation for improving transport facilities in rural areas.
*The State will establish Karnataka Maritime Board.
*Additional 1,000 MW electricity will be produced this year.
*Air connectivity to all districts. Along with the 12 districts which have got or in the process of getting air connectivity, 10 more districts will be provided with airstrips at a cost of Rs.4 crores each. A total of Rs.40 crores is allocated for this purpose.
* 700 acres of land will be acquired for developing an international airport at Hubli city. The airport at Belgaum will also be expanded by acquiring 370 acres of land.
Railways
There are some of the Railway projects that will be executed.
Shimoga-Talaguppa Guage conversion. Bidar-Gulbarga new rail line. Sholapur-Bagalkot-Gadag Gauge conversion. Bangalore-Ramanagaram line doubling. Commerce and Industries
* New textile policy will be formulated with the major focus on garments.
*A long term development plan for Suvarna Karnataka industrial corridors will be prepared at a cost of Rs.10 crores.
*Proposed major industrial corridors with 8 lane roads are:
Bidar-Bangalore via Chitradurga
Tumkur-Honnavar via Shimoga
Chitradurga-Mangalore via Shimoga-Udupi
Bangalore-Belgaum via Davengare-Hubli.
*New Industrial policy will be formulated.
* During January 2009, we will organize “Samrudda Karnataka Global Investors Meet” in Bangalore.
* To speed up industrialization a “vision group” will be formed.
* Based on natural endowments in the state, separate industrial zones for steel, cement and textiles will be formed.
Employment:
* For the first time in the state, Karnataka State Skills Commission will be formed.
* During the next five years, we will create 10 lakh empoloyment opportunities, including one lakh for this year.
Revenue:
*To dispose 25 lakh phodi cases in revenue department, tatkal scheme will be introduced.
* Special committee will be formed to assess the current status and to suggest effective utilization of properties under muzrai and wakf department.
* Development of Basava Kalyana – Rs.30 crores.
*Development of Kaginele kshetra – Rs.15 crores.
*Development of Banjara community – Rs.25 crores.
* A separate authority for protection and maintenance of government land.
Kannada and Culture:
*Dr. Rajkumar memorial will be constructed at a cost of Rs.5 crores.
* To construct four regional level Suvarna Karnataka Bhavans, Rs.5 crores will be incurred.
* A provision of Rs.25 crores has been made for organizing Vishva Kannada Sammelana at Belgaum in December.
* Preparations are being made to start Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belgaum and hold an assembly session.
*Special Cell will be set up for non-resident kannadigas.
* Financial assistance of Rs.One crores for K.P.Poorna Chandra Tejasvi Research Centre.
* Financial assistance of Rs. One crores for Shivayogi Shishunala Sharief’s shrine.
*Financial assistance of Rs.One crores for development of Sangolli Rayanna Memorial at Belgaum.
* Financial assistance of Rs.One crore for the development of Bada village in Haveri district – birth place of Kanakadasa.
* Financial assistance of Rs. One crores for development of Vignaneshwara Park and Rangamandira at Marthur, Gulbarga district.
*In order to commemorate the stay of Swamy Vivekananda in Mysore a cultural centre in the name of Swamy Vivekananda will be established at a cost of Rs.5 crores.
*To commemorate the tricentenary of the founding of the Khalsa by Sri Guru Govind Singh, a festival is being held at Nanded. An allocation of Rs.25 crores has been made for improving infrastructure in Bidar city and for providing amenities to the pilgrims.
Dasara:
* Mysore dasara will be celebrated as state festival and for this Rs.10 crores will be allocated.
Removal of regional imbalance:
* The development of backward areas as identified by Dr. Nanjundappa’s Report will receive high priority, with an allocation of Rs.2,547 crores for the Special Development Plan.
Forest and Environment:
* A task force will be set up for protecting the bio-diversity and conserving the environment of Western Ghats.
* “Samrudha Hasiru Grama Yojane” to be implemented on experimental basis.
* To promote growth of sandalwood trees in the state, a new scheme will be implemented.
Government servants:
*The age of superannuation of the state government employee is increased from 58 to 60 years.
Administrative Reforms:
*To focus on overall long term sustainable development of the state and its major cities, to provide thoughtful suggestions and to review the progress, High level committees will be formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
Information Highway:
* This year we will complete “information highway” to provide effective links across all districts and talukas with Vidhana Soudha.
A New Chapter in the Development of AgricultureAgriculture and Horticulture
21. The low rate of agricultural growth in the state in recent years has led to many serious consequences. Not only has it resulted in the slowing down of economic growth of the state, but also has caused widespread stress among farmers. The state has granted substantial relief to farmers last year by waiving agricultural loans given by the co-operative societies. This resulted in over Rs.1750 crores being disbursed by government to the co-operative societies in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Besides, as a part of the PM’s package for the farmers in six districts of the state, the government has provided about Rs.335 crores as its share of the interest waiver.
22. It is heartening that the central government has also taken the step of loan waiver for small and marginal farmers and partial debt relief for other farmers in respect of loans given by the commercial banks. As already many farmers have been covered in the state under the state government’s loan waiver scheme, there has been a substantial saving in the central assistance in this respect. Therefore, the state has requested the Centre to reimburse Rs.1750 crores which has already been disbursed by the state. A detailed memorandum will be submitted shortly to the centre on this subject.
23. Though there has been some relief to the farmers on account of loan waiver scheme, the farmers are facing acute problems because of the failure of monsoon this year. In particular, the condition of the farmers of dry land areas who are dependent on rains is precarious. The farmers have already lost the seeds sown and fertilizers used. For preparing their fields in the hope of further rains, about 50 lakh dry land farmers have to arrange for seeds, fertilizers, etc. Therefore, as a special measure this year, it has been decided to provide Rs.1,000 to every small and marginal farmer family who is completely dependent on dry land farming. This input assistance will be disbursed through their bank accounts. It is expected that an amount of Rs.500 crores will be needed for this purpose. Though this is a small contribution, I would like the people of our State to appreciate that our Government’s sincere efforts to wipe the tears of poor farmers.
24. For the first time in our country, a mission will be established in the State, called the ‘Karnataka Agriculture Mission’ under the chairmanship of Chief Minister to integrate and co-ordinate the development activities in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, sericulture and allied activities. The High Powered Committee under the Mission will have agricultural scientists, progressive farmers, and NGO representatives apart from the ministers and senior officers of the concerned departments.
25. The constitution of the State’s Agriculture Mission demonstrates the resolve of the government to give highest priority to combat the problems faced by the farmers in the state.
26. For improving the productivity of agriculture sector, the revised 2008-09 budget has provided Rs.1974 crores for agriculture sector. This is 64% more than the allocation made during the year 2007-08 out of this Rs.1603 for the programmes related to agriculture and horticulture, Rs.319 crores for animal husbandry, dairy development, and fisheries, and Rs. 52 crores for sericulture activities.
27. The State’s investments in Agriculture include an amount of Rs.2050 crores is provided for electricity subsidy for irrigation pumps and Rs.500 crores for assistance to dry land farmers. Along with the investment of Rs.3468 crores (of plan allocation) in irrigation the total allocation for agriculture and related programmes in the budget amounts to about Rs.8000 crores. Some of the specific programmes proposed to be included in the agricultural sector in this budget include the following:
To supply free electricity for irrigation pumpsets of farmers. This will benefit about 15 lakh farmers. The electricity meters will be provided from the electricity distribution companies. This would facilitate the assessment of the actual utilization of electricity by the farmers. For this, the State would provide Rs.750 crores per year as additional subsidy apart from the regular subsidy of Rs.1550 crores to the electricity distribution companies. It is estimated that for the next 8 months during the current financial year, Rs.500 crores would be required to meet this additional subsidy of providing free electricity. A major programme would be launched to promote production of organic manure and adoption of organic farming methods by farmers in at least 1000 villages. An assistance of Rs.2000 will be given to those families which adopt organic farming methods. An allocation of Rs.100 crores has been made for this organic farming movement. In cases of falling prices, market intervention will be made to ensure remunerative prices by utilizing a revolving fund of Rs.500 crores. The interest subsidy being paid on agriculture loans will be increased to facilitate availing of loans at the rate of 3% from co-operative societies. This facility will be extended to fishermen and weavers also. A single agency will be established to provide 75% subsidy for drip irrigation for agriculture, horticulture, and sericulture crops. Rs.175 crores of subsidy will be distributed for farmers. Information kiosks will be established in all grama panchayats with private participation to provide current market information to farmers. A subsidy of 25% will be provided for establishing cold storage and constructing warehousing godowns in rural areas for storing agricultural produce. A university of agricultural sciences will be established at Raichur at the cost of Rs.5 crores. In order to promote horticulture, a separate agricultural university will be established at Bagalkot.
Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development
28. The majority of households in rural areas of our state are small and marginal farmers and agricultural labourers. Animal husbandry is a secondary occupation for them. By supplying milk to dairy co-operative societies, they supplement their income.
29. To make dairy farming more remunerative for rural families, specially for rural women, it is proposed to provide a cash incentive of Rs.2 per litre of milk sold by farmers to milk co-operative societies. This incentive will be directly given to the dairy co-operative societies at the village level.
30. A provision of Rs.10 crores has been made to provide technical assistance and to distribute veterinary medicines for sheep and goat rearing. Assistance will be given to educated youth and small farmers to establish at least 50 poultry farms in every taluk.
31. Veterinary colleges being set up at Hassan and Shimoga will be developed at a cost of Rs.50 crores each. An amount of Rs.28 crores has been provided during this year for this purpose.
32. Support will be given to Goshalas at Pinjarapol in Mysore and other places.
Fisheries
33. Thousands of fishermen and women depending on sale of fish have been benefited by the loan waiver scheme implemented by government last year. The scheme of interest subsidy to provide loan at an interest of 3% per annum to co-operatives will be applicable to fishermen also.
34. The fishing harbour at Malpe will be developed at a cost of Rs. 12 crores this year. Dredging of other fishing harbours will be undertaken at a cost of Rs.5 crores.
35. Housing will be provided to 2500 fishermen under Matsya Ashraya Scheme. An amount of Rs.5 crores will be provided for this purpose during this year. Besides, the quantity of sales tax - free diesel being provided for fishermen will be increased from 70,000 kilo litres to 75,000 kilo litres this year.
36. An amount of Rs.10 crores has been provided for development of roads in fishing areas. Complete exemption will be granted from VAT for the ice used by fishermen for preserving fish.
Sericulture
37. Sericulture is one of the important traditional occupations of small farmers in Karnataka. Government will support extension of bivoltine sericulture by setting up automatic and semi-automatic reeling units.
38. Institutional finance will be mobilized to assist silk reelers to take up reeling through mechanized silk reeling units instead of the charkhas being used at present. A subsidy of 25 percent of the cost of reeling units will be provided by the state.
Co-operation
39. The State has already accepted the recommendations of the Vaidyanathan Committee for restructuring the co-operative agricultural credit system. The implementation of the scheme will help in reviving many weak co-operative societies and banks in the State.
Rural Development
40. The total outlay on rural development has increased from Rs.3064 crores last year to Rs.3359 crores this year. In addition, to take up works worth Rs.1100 crores, under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the state share of 10 percent is being provided. To effectively implement this vast employment generation programme a Panchayath Development Officer will be appointed for every panchayath. By utilizing the funds under NREGP developmental programmes in areas of agriculture, horticulture, minor irrigation, water shed development and afforestation will be taken up in all the districts.
41. For the development of rural roads an amount of Rs.685 crores has been provided. It will be possible to systematically maintain and develop rural roads in every taluka. Out of this, Rs.200 crores will be earmarked for development of roads in backward takuks. Besides, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojane rural roads will be developed at a cost of Rs.800 crores.
42. An allocation of Rs.879 crores has been made for rural drinking water supply schemes. Many multi-village drinking water schemes will be taken up during this year. Apart from this, piped water supply schemes for supply of drinking water from irrigation reservoirs to towns and villages will be taken up on a pilot basis.
43. In order to increase the storage capacity of minor irrigation tanks which have remained neglected for many decades, a provision of Rs.50 crores has been made.
44. Suvarna Gramodaya Yojane with the objective of integrated development of 1200 villages will continue to be implemented. A provision of Rs.300 crores has been made for this purpose.
45. In keeping with the tradition of decentralized governance in Karnataka, the untied grants provided to each of the 5628 gram panchayaths in the state have been increased from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.6 lakh per annum. With the objective of strengthening gram panchayths, Gram Swaraj project will be taken up at a cost of Rs.160 crores in 1341 gram panchayaths of 39 most backward talukas identified by Dr. Nanjundappa’s Report.
46. To supplement the incomes of the rural people who depend upon rearing cattle, a experimental project under "Mahatma Gandhi Govu Aadharitha Grama Udyoga" will be launched in Mysore and Shimoga for providing remunerative prices for dung and urine of cow.
47. Programmes have been started for providing basic infrastructure facilities in naxal-affected villages. From this year it is proposed give priority to human resources development under this programme by taking up training and employment generation activities for the rural youth.
Water Resources 126. The Government proposes to complete irrigation schemes in Krishna, Cauvery and Godavari water basins on priority. For this purpose capital grants of Rs. 3394.41 Crores have been provided during this year to the State Irrigation Nigamas. Around 73,000 ha. area will be brought under irrigation under these schemes.
127. Irrigation and drinking water facilities will be provided through Upper Bhadra Project to drought prone districts of Chitradurga, Tumkur and Chikballapur. For saving water for Upper Bhadra Project, modernization work of Bhadra Canal would be speeded up.
128. Similarly work will be speeded up for construction of Kalasa Banduri Canal for supply of drinking water to Hubli-Dharwad.
129. The scheme for providing drinking water to Kolar district through Yergol drinking water scheme at a cost of Rs.50 crores will be initiated during the year.
130. For full usage of irrigation water under large and medium projects, the water users associations will be formed and they will be given the responsibility for the maintainance of irrigation facilities.
131. Jala Samvardhane Yojane will be extended to the tanks of all districts in a phased manner. An uniform pattern will be used for revival and restoration of irrigation tanks all over the state. An experimental scheme for filling up small tanks from large irrigation projects will be taken up.
132. A law for regulating use of ground water will be formulated and implemented throughout the state. A special authority will be set up for improving expertise for water usage, resource management and policy formulation.
133. Rs.1 Crore will be provided for conducting study on utilisation of westward flowing rivers in coastal areas.
Primary and Secondary Education
134. Providing quality education is one of the top priorities of my Government. A massive remedial teaching campaign will be taken up based on the recently published results of the Karnataka School Quality Assessment Organisation. The outlay for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan has been increased by 37 percent to Rs. 958 crores. The increase has been possible in view of the good performance of the state in implementing the programme.
135. For facilitating easy access to schools, bicycles will be provided free of cost to the students of 8th standard in government and grant in aid schools in areas other than major corporation cities. An amount of Rs.140 crores has been provided for this purpose.
136. Conversion costs as well as remuneration to persons preparing food for mid-day meal scheme is being enhanced. This should help in arranging good food for the school children. For this purpose an additional Rs.30 crores is being provided. An amount of Rs.97 Crores is being provided for pancha soulabya scheme during the current year as compared to Rs.8.6 crores in the previous year. The scheme will help in improving basic facilities in the schools.
137. For constructing rooms and buildings in secondary schools and pre university colleges an amount of Rs.153 crores has been provided.
138. The private schools started upto the year 1992 are being provided grant-in-aid so far. During this year private schools started during 1993 and 1994 will be covered under grant-in-aid as per the eligibility norms.
Higher Education
139. In order to ensure that students from poor families are not deprived of opportunities of professional education my Government would provide interest subsidy for the education loans being taken by such students for admission to the professional courses through the Common Entrance Test. Interest subsidy during the period of study will reduce the interest burden to 6 per cent.
140. The plan support for various universities is being increased from Rs.17 crores during 2007-08 to Rs.38 crores during the current year. For building basic facilities at the polytechnics and engineering colleges started during the last year an amount of Rs.100 crores will be provided.
141. This is the knowledge age. Knowledge is power. Knowledge based industries and companies have a good future. It is necessary to formulate a mechanism to motivate and attract the youth for knowledge and higher education. For this purpose for the first time in the country Karnataka Knowledge and Higher Education Commission will be setup at the State level.
142. An assistance of Rs.2 crores will be provided to the Institute for Social and Economic Change in Bangalore. For Gokhale Insitute of Public Affairs in Bangalore an assistance of Rs. One crores will be provided. Encouragement will be given for establishment of private universities in the state. A separate Karnataka Sanskrit Vedic University will be setup in Bangalore for promoting study of Sanskrit language. An amount of Rs.2 crores will be provided for the purpose for initial preparations.
Health and Family Welfare
143. Action will be taken to appoint 5,000 doctors, nurses and para-medical staff for improving services in the government hospitals in rural and urban areas all over the state. As already decided, Rs.87 crores has been provided this year for upgrading primary health centers, community health centers, taluka hospitals and district hospitals.
144. A scheme name ‘Tayi Bhagya’ has been formulated, including the existing schemes like Madilu and Prasuthi Aaraike, to provide safe maternity services in government and private hospitals. Rs.30 crores will be provided for this scheme.
145. It is possible to save thousands of untimely deaths by providing emergency care and bringing the critical patients to the hospitals through a network of well equipped ambulances. It is planned to start a new scheme called ‘Arogya kavacha’ for this purpose. The scheme will be implemented through public-private partnership. An amount of Rs.10 Crores has been provided for starting this on a pilot basis.
146. A general hospital will be set up in Indiranagar in Bangalore city for meeting the medical needs of the people in the eastern part of the city. Rs.8 crores has been provided for this purpose during the current year.
147. For construction of emergency trauma care ward in Victoria and Bowring hospitals in Bangalore an amount of Rs.25 crores has been provided.
148. For setting up drug testing laboratories in Hubli and Bellary in the north Karnataka region an amount of Rs.5 crores has been provided.
Medical Education 149. As the Hon’ble Members are aware 6 new medical colleges have been started last year. For building and other infrastructure for these colleges an amount of Rs.120 crores has been provided.
150. It is proposed to setup a new ayurvedic college and 100 bed ayurvedic hospital in Shimoga city.
151. For the development of famous KIMS hospital in Hubli Rs.36.5 crores has been provided. This will help a large number of poor people in the north Karnataka.
152. The plan outlay for the development of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and Minorities has been increased from Rs.662 Crores for the year 2007-08 to Rs. 925 Crore for 2008-09. The boarding and lodging charges for all the students in the hostels for these communities will be eanhanced from Rs. 450 per month to Rs.600 per month in case of pre-matric hostels and then Rs. 500 to Rs.650 per month for post matric hostels.
153. An amount of Rs. 157 crores is provided for Ganga Kalyana Shceme. A allocation of Rs. 20 Crores will be provided for the welfare of backward communities such as Kumbara, Uppara, Savitha, Kshatriya, Madival, Kambara communities. The construction of Valmiki Community halls would be taken up in five disctricts with each hall costing around Rs. 1 Crore.
154. The outlays for Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub Plan in the budget of the various departments are kept at Rs. 2831 Crores and Rs. 1104 Crore respectively.
Minority Welfare
155. Our Government provides equal priority to all communities. In this direction an amount of Rs. 143 Crores is allotted in the year 2008-09 as against Rs.96.67 Crores alloted during 2007-08 for implementation of various schemes for the welfare of minorities. Thus there is increase of about 47% in the allocation in amount of Rs. 6.50 Crores was provided for construction of Shadi Mahals in the year 2007-08. This grant has been increased to Rs. 15 Crores in 2008-09.
Women and Child Development
156. The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme introduced two years back has been greatly appreciated by the people. An amount of Rs. 266 Crores has been provided for issuing bonds in the name of about 2 lakh girl children. The Government’s contribution will be doubled under this scheme so that the beneficiary girl child would be receiving Rs.One lakh when she turns 18.
157. For construction of Anganawadi buildings, Rs.50 crores has been provided for the year 2008-09.
158. In order to strengthen the Stree Shakthi Groups Rs. 7.5 crores has been earmarked for the construction of Sthri Shakthi Bhavans at the Taluka level. It is also proposed to provide financial assistance in the form of interest subsidy to enable Stree Shakthi Groups to secure loans up to Rupees One lakh at 6 per cent interest.
159. A scheme to start hostels for working women in every district would be taken up.
160. A Bal Vikas Acadamy will be established at the state level for the overall personality development of children.
Disabled Welfare
161. Physically challenged persons, who have disability of more than 75 percent, will be given a monthly pension of Rs.1000. A provision of Rs.8 crores has been made this year for providing tricycles and other aids and appliances free of cost to the physically challenged persons.
162. It is proposed to increase the monthly assistance given for taking care of the blind and physically challanged children from NGOs from Rs.400 to Rs.600.
Housing
163. Providing shelter to the poorest of the poor of society is one of the priority areas of the government. In this direction, about 3 lakh houses will be built for the eligible poor families during the year 2008-09. Emphasis will also be given to construct houses for slum dwellers and to create infrastructure facilities like roads, drainage and drinking water for urban housing projects.
164. Under the rural Ashraya scheme the unit cost will be increased from Rs.30,000 to Rs.40,000 from this year. In order to establish Ashraya Colonies in the villages, 5 - 10 acres of land will be purchased for developing house sites in each case.
165. The provision for Housing programmes has been increased from Rs.727 crores in 2007-08 to Rs.821 crores in 2008-09.
Urban Development
166. 34 percent of the state’s population lives in urban areas. These areas also generate almost 80% of economic activities, and stimulate economic growth. However the civic infrastructure in the urban areas has not kept pace with the increase in the population and the increased level of economic activities. In this context, our Government proposes to give a major thrust to the development of urban areas. The plan outlay for this sector is being increased from Rs.2923 crores in 2007-08 to Rs.5041 crores in 2008-09. Besides, State Finance Commission grants have been increased to Rs.2419 crores which is about Rs.500 crores higher than the provision made in 2007-08.
167. For improving water supply and sanitation in cities other than Bangalore, the outlay for Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board has been increased from Rs. 231 crores to Rs. 380 crores. A scheme for augmenting water supply to Hubli-Dharwad at a cost of Rs.136 crores will be undertaken during the current year.
168. Under the Karnataka Municipal Reforms Project, a provision of Rs.250 crores has been made for improving municipal administration in towns and cities. Rs.100 crores will be spent on improving urban infrastructure in the cities of northern Karnataka. An amount of Rs.161 crores has been provided for improving facilities of drinking water, roads and drains in the towns of coastal Karnataka.
169. For the development of second tier cities such as Mysore, Mangalore, Belgaum, Hubli-Dharwad, Davanagere, Bellary and Gulbarga it is proposed to provide Rs.100 crores each to the municipal bodies of these cities over a period of two years. During this year, upto Rs.50 crores each will be given to these municipal bodies for specific projects.
170. Already action has been initiated to contain traffic congestion in Bangalore. it is proposed to provide Rs.2 Crores for preparing project plan to setup "Mono-rail System in Mysore, Mangalore and Udupi.
171. `For the comprhensive development of coastal areas, it is proposed to establish Karavali Karnataka Development Authority.
Bangalore Development
172. It is estimated that an investment of Rs.36,000 crores will be needed during the next five years for tackling infrastructure problems in the city of Bangalore. This huge investment can be made possible through the State Government, public-private-partnership and support from the residents of Bangalore.
173. Nada Prabu Kempegowda Layout will be formed to provide 60,000 sites. 20% of these house sites will be reserved for ecomomically weeker section of the society.
174. It is proposed to develop 65 K.M. length of outer Ring Road at a cost of Rs. 3000 Crores under build, own, and transfer (BOT) basis. For smooth flow of traffic in the existing Bangalore outer ring road 10 flyovers and underpasses will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 350 crores.
175.During this year, a provision of Rs. 1800 crores has been made for the development of Bangalore city as follows;
* Financial support of Rs.300 crores to Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike:
* Rs.100 Crores to Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board for providing drinking water to the newly added areas through bore wells;
*The allocation for Bangalore Metro Project is being enhanced from Rs.173 crores during the year 2007-08 to Rs.700 crores during 2008-09;
* An amount of Rs.240 crores has been provided to improve identified roads in and around Bangalore;
* An amount of Rs.25 crores has been provided to make improvements in traffic-management in Bangalore city;
98. To tackle the problem of traffic congestion, and to provide parking space in the city, it is proposed to build multi-storeyed parking facilities on a public-private-partnership basis;
99. An amount of Rs.700 crores will be invested by the Bangalore Development Authority for providing roads, drainage, and drinking water facilities in the areas which have been newly added to the BBMP;
100. Bangalore Development Authority is taking up some major infrastructure projects on public-private-partnership basis. These include construction of outer ring road, flyovers, and housing projects for economically weaker section of the society;
101. To provide drinking water supply and sanitation facilities in the newly added areas, implementation of the World Bank assisted project and the Megacity project will be expedited. The Cauvery State IV project will be implemented at cost of Rs. 3400 crores of JBIC assistance.
Infrastructure Development
102. The State government has released its state support of Rs.295 crores and equity of Rs.48 crores to Bangalore International Airport Limited. All necessary steps are being taken to quickly improve road connectivity to the new airport. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been appointed as the advisor to implement the prestigious ‘High Speed Rail Link Project’ on Public-Private-Partnership basis.
103. The Government is determined to develop industry and tourism in all parts of the state. In this connection Rs.150 crores is being provided to develop airports in the year 2008-09. Necessary land is being acquired to upgrade Hubli airport to international standard, and to expand Belgaum and Mangalore airports, Steps are being taken to acquire additional land for the development of Mysore airport. Similarly the airports at Bijapur, Gulbarga, Shimoga and Hassan will be developed on public-private-partnership basis, To give impetus to tourism in the state, it is proposed to spend Rs.40 crores to develop 10 air strips at the cost of Rs.4 crores each in various districts which do not have airports.
Railway Projects
105. An amount of Rs.253 Crores has been provided for railway projects in the state to be implemented on a cost-sharing basis with the central government. The state is pursuing with the Ministry of Railways to complete the following projects early.
1. Bidar-Gulbarga new rail line
2. Bangalore-Mysore line doubling
3. Munirabad-Mehaboobnagar new rail line
4. Sholapur-Bagalkot-Gadag-Gauge conversion
5. Shimoga-Talaguppa Guage conversion
6. Kotturu-Harihara new rail line.
Public Works
106. A special emphasis will be given to maintain the existing roads, along with building new roads in the state. Under the Mukhya Mantri Grameena Rasthe Abhivriuddhi Yojane, it is proposed to utilise Rs.250 Crores for improvement and maintenance of roads. With assistance from NABARD, Rs.200 crores will be spent to improve and build 1275 kms of roads and 35 bridges. Rs.200 crores has been earmarked for the development of roads in backward taluks.
Under the Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub Plan, an amount of Rs.76.30 crores will be spent for improvement of MDRs and link roads connecting to villages and thandas having larger SC/ST habitations. With assistance from World Bank, it is proposed to take up 584 kms of road work at a cost of Rs.150 crores under KSHIP-II. An amount of Rs.100 crores has been allocated for improvement works of 3411 kms of roads under KSHIP-I. We have also planned to effectively utilize central assistance under the Central Road Fund Scheme to improve 71 roads and 2 bridges at a cost of Rs.150 Crores. Roads connecting taluk headquarters with districts will be developed at a cost of Rs.500 crores. 107. KRDCL will develop 200 Kms of State Highway and 225 bridges. Included among these works are the Bridges over river Cauvery near T. Narasipura and across the backwaters of Sharavathi near Ambergod in Sagar taluk.
108. To ensure proper maintenance of the assets created in the past, an innovative scheme of Output & Performance Based Road Maintenance Contract will be started to maintain 1780 kms. of roads which were built and improved under KSHIP-I. An amount of Rs.50 crores has been allocated for this.
109. An allocation of Rs. 15 crores has been earmarked for land acquisition for the proposed National Highway between Tumkur and Honawar. An allocation of Rs. 20 crores will be provided for land acquisition for ring roads for major cities.
Buildings 110. One of the aspirations of the people of Northern Karnataka have been fulfilled by the recent inauguration of the High Court Circuit Benches at Dharwad and Gulbarga. Adequate budget provision will be made to complete both these projects. A budget provision of Rs.9 crores has been made for building district offices at Davangere, Udupi and Madikeri. A provision of Rs.23 crores is also made for construction of Mini Vidhana Soudhas at taluka headquarters.
Ports111. It is proposed to develop Karwar port on public-private-partnership basis. A provision of Rs. 10 Crores has been made for maintenance of various other ports. An amount of Rs.4 Crores will be spent to prevent sea-erosion. In order to provide better road connectivity to ports Rs. 5 crores will be allocated.Energy
112. The demand for power has been increasing every day. However, the supply has not improved proportionately. In this direction, power generation has been identified as one of the top priorities of the government.
113. We have a vision to transform the power scenario in Karnataka over the next 5 years by adding 5,000 MW of power generation capacity for comprehensive developments in agriculture, industry and services sector. To achieve this objective in a planned way, it has been programmed to add 1,000 MW of power to the state power grid during the year 2008-09.
114. In order to improve power transmission and maintenance, it is proposed to set up 50 sub stations of 33 kv capacity during 2008-09. In order to provide quality power to rural consumers, Rural Load Management System will be operationalised.
115. We have kept our promise to make available free power up to 10 HP capacities to about 15 lakh irrigation pump sets. It is estimated that the agriculture sector consumes around 37% of the total electricity consumption in the state. It is our responsibility to ensure that the benefits meant for the farmers reach the eligible farmers.
116. Renewable energy is beneficial for protecting the environment. The government therefore proposes to give thrust to the programme of renewable energy by establishing 220 MW capacity of wind energy and 50 MW capacities of small hydro electricity plants.
Industries and Commerce
117. Industrial development denotes the growth of economy. Industries do not only accelerate growth-rate, but also generate large-scale employment. Therefore, there is a need to create a friendly environment to promote investments for industrial development. For this it is proposed to revise our Industrial Policy.
118. Similarly, a New Textile Policy will be announced and implemented to promote garment manufacturing, which has great potential for employment-generation.
119. Keeping in mind the natural and human resources in the State, six special industrial zones will be developed on the Public Private Partnership basis.
* A steel zone will be established for Bellary, Koppal, Raichur, Baglakot, Haveri and Gadag districts.
* A cement zone will be established for Gulbarga, Bagalkot, Chitradurga, Belgaum and other districts.
* A food zone will be established in Bangalore Rural, Kolar, Shimoga, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Davangere and other districts.
* An IT – BT zone will be established in Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Shimoga and Gulbarga.
* Ramanagara, Shimoga and Hubli-Dharwad will be earmarked for automobile zone, and a garment zone will be established in Bangalore Rural, Tumkur, Kolar, Mandya, Belgaum, Bidar, Dharwad and other districts. For the above purposes Rs.500 Crores will be spent by KIADB during the year 2008-09.
120. A Suvarna Karnataka development corridor programme will be implemented throughout the length and breadth of the state for industrial development. For this purpose Rs.10 Crores will be allocated for preparing the project plans for the following corridors.
Bidar-Bangalore via Chitradurga
Tumkur-Honnavar via Shimoga
Chitradurga-Mangalore via Shimoga-Udupi
Bangalore-Belgaum via Davangere-Hubli.
121. It is proposed to have a Global Investors Meet in January 2009 to attract large scale capital investment.
122. It is proposed to improve the roads to reach mining areas, and to levy toll on vehicles plying on these roads.
123. An amount of Rs.2 crore is provided to establish a food processing park at Shimoga. Similar parks would be established at Malur, Bagalkot, Hiriyur and Jewargi. An export-import office will be established in Hubli.
124. The Karnataka Leather Industries Development Corporation will be revived and strengthened by infusing additional capital from government.
Information Technology and Bio Technology
125. The IT and BT industry has been concentrated largely in Bangalore and Mysore. These industries have large employment potential. In order to promote IT and BT companies in other areas of the State, I propose that the new IT and BT establishments, which come up in Zone-1 and Zone-2 talukas, would be given exemption from stamp duty, reduction of registration charges and waiver of conversion fee as per the guidelines prescribed in the New Industrial Policy 2006-2011.
* An amount of Rs.5 Crores has been earmarked for IBAB (Institute of Bio-Informatics and Applied Bio-Technology) to encourage Bio technology. It is proposed to establish a Bio-IT park in Bangalore on a Public-Private Partnership basis.
*It is proposed to set up IT and BT parks in cities like Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Shimoga, Davangere, Mangalore through joint ventures of private participation and Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board. KEONICS will be provided with a capital contribution of Rs.10 Crores to promote the above development.
* An amount of Rs.2 Crores has been allocated for the development of “Aryabhata” IT Park at Hubli.
*A Rural IT programme will be started to create IT-based employment opportunities in rural areas. This will promote starting of BPO services in rural areas with an allocation of Rs.5 crores.
Information Technology enabled financial inclusion
126. Financial inclusion in the form of affordable financial services supports inclusive growth. The State Government and the Banks will enlarge the scope of financial inclusion through use of Information Technology in Bellary, Chitradurga and Gulbarga districts through a pilot project. The social security pension and payment of wages under National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme will be disbursed through the use of smart cards in each village. About 6 lakh beneficiaries will receive the payments in an efficient, convenient, and cost effective manner.
Common Service Cyber Center
127. The benefits of Information Technology are yet to reach the rural areas. The state government will facilitate setting up of around 5,000 Common Service Cyber Centers with a centre for each gram panchayath through public private partnership. These centers will provide Government to Citizen and Business to Citizen services at affordable cost.
128. With the setting up of these centers the people in the rural areas can get the services at the village level itself rather than traveling to taluka and district headquarters.
Employment and Training
129. An integrated scheme will be implemented for the development of experienced and skilled man power for the industrial sector.
130. Industrial Training Institutes will be opened in 9 talukas which do not have such institutes at present. Rs.20 Crores have been reserved for construction of buildings, equipment, and other basic infrastructure for the I.T.I.s started during last year.
131. A "Skill Commission" will be set up to improve the skills of the youth for facilitating creation of 10 lakh jobs. During this year 1 lakh youth will be trained and provided with employment.
As expressed by the poet N.S. Lakshminarayana Bhat, our Government is committed to improving the skills of the people.
132. Vocational Education and Training courses will be transferred to Employment and Training Department.
133. A welfare fund will be established for beedi workers, tailors and other persons working in other un-organised sectors. Action will be taken to ensure that Daily wage workers get their payment on time every month.
134. A special assistance of Rs. 5 Crores will be provided for the welfare of workers in the un-organised sector such as, auto drivers, tailors, beedi workers and others.
Revenue
135. A new undertaking called the "Karnataka Public Lands Corporation" will be set up to raise resources for development through the sale or lease of valuable government land through a competitive process. It is planned to mobilize about Rs.3,000 crores through sale of land in and around Bangalore during the year 2008-09.
136. GIS based re-survey of land will be taken up in two districts on a pilot basis.
137. New talukas will be set up based on recommendations of the Taluka Re-organization Committee. Lambani tandas will be converted into revenue villages.
138. A committee will be set up for survey and effective use of wakf and mujarai properties.
139. The social security for the senior citizens, the physically challenged persons and the destitute widows is a priority of the Government. Last year “Sandhya Suraksha” scheme was started. Special emphasis will be given for effective implementation of this scheme to provide financial empowerment to the poor persons above the age of 65 years.
Tatkal Phodi Scheme
140. The State Revenue department has earned acclaim for computerization of land records under the "Bhoomi Project". In the same direction a ‘Tatkal Phodi Scheme’ will be implemented for the benefit of the farmers. Under this scheme the Phodi applications received from the farmers with the prescribed fee will be taken up for survey and issue of phodi documents within a month.
Muzrai
141. Under Aaradhana scheme Rs.29 Crores have been earmarked for renovation of religious and charitable temples during 2008-09.
142. Rs.3 crores will be provided for improving accommodation facilities for the pilgrims from Karnataka visiting to Tirupathi. Additional rooms will be constructed with the funds received from donors.
143. The allocation for Manasa Sarovara Yatra has been increased from Rs.1.75 crores to Rs.2.75 crores.
Food and Civil Supplies
144. The government is committed to providing food grains at affordable prices under the public distribution system. The application received last year for BPL cards would be processed expeditiously. Concurrently, action will be taken to identify ineligible beneficiaries and bogus cards.
145. The Legal Meteorology Department will be restructured and named as Consumer Protection Department. Its services will be improved through various activities.
Home Department
146. To make the state free from the crime and terrorism is the priority of the Government. Rs.97 Crores have been provided for modernization of the police force. Housing facilities for the families of police personnel will be constructed at a cost of Rs.45 crores. Further Rs.10 crores have been provided for special repairs of the police housing facilities. Rs.6 crores have been provided for computerization and maintenance in the department.
147. Rs.25 crores have been provided for a smooth management of traffic in the Bangalore city. A well equipped anti-terrorist squad is being set up at Bangalore. Rs.35 crores has been earmarked for new fire stations and housing for the staff. Rs.2 crores will be reserved for the security of coastal areas.
Transport
148. The public road transport corporations will augment their fleet by 3500 new buses at a cost of Rs. 549 crores. Rs.50 crores is being provided as financial support for North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
149. A 25 per cent concession in fares will be given to all senior citizens above the age of 65 for their travel on state road corporation buses.
150. In order to address the shortage of trained drivers for the heavy vehicles four training centers will be established, one each in the revenue divisions, at the cost of Rs. 5 Crores. Truck terminals will be established in Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum and Bellary through public private partnership.
Kannada and Culture
151. The Government is committed to protecting and developing the Kannada language. We have strongly taken up with the central government the issue of giving classical status to kannada language. Our efforts in this regard will continue. Several special programmes will be taken up for the development of Kannada language and culture. For this purpose an amount of Rs.184 crores have been provided in the budget.
* For the Vishva Kannada Sammelana to be held in Belgaum this year a sum of Rs.25 crores has been provided. A cell for providing information and support to non-resident Kannadigas will be set up in Bangalore (NRI Cell).
* The Government will provide Rs.5 crores for setting up a museum in Bangalore to showcase Kannada heritage and culture.
*Kannada Cultural Bhavans will be built in important places in the border areas for which Rs. 5 crores will be provided.
*The contribution to Kannada language, art and culture made by Dr. Rajkumar is immense and unforgettable. Rs.5 crores will be provided for the construction of Dr. Rajkumar Memorial in Bangalore to provide inspiration to the future generations.
* An amount of Rs.5 crores is being earmarked for purchase of copies of 3,500 books in Kannada for the libraries throughout the State. An amount of Rs.One crores will be provided for translation of Kannada literary works into other Indian and foreign languages.
*The historical documents and books pertaining to old Mysore and other administrative regions of the state would be published through the Department of Archives.
* Rs. One crores will be provided for the development of Kannada software.
* Rs. One crores each will be released for the Kanndada Sahitya Smmelana in Chitradurga and Allama Prabhu Literature Research Centre.
* Rs. One crores each will be provided for the development of Santh Shishunala Sharief Shivayogi Samadhi Kendra, birth place of Sangolli Rayanna, birth place of Kanakadasa at Baad village in Haveri district and Poorna Chandra Tejasvi Research Centre.
* Rs.3 crores will be provided to Panchakshari Gavayi Math for educational activities and the Dasoha activities.
* Swami Vivekananda had stayed at the Niranjan Math in Mysore during his parivrajaka days in 1892. In memory of the great saint a ‘Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre will be established at the government building at a cost of Rs. 5 crores.
* The Dasara Festival of Mysore signifies the glorious heritage of the state. A grant of Rs.10 crores is proposed to be given for celebrating this festival as ‘Nada Habba’ this year.
* Rupees one crore will be provided for construction of Rangamandira in Gulbarga city and assistance will be given to the college of visual arts.
Tourism
152. Action is being taken for improving basic infrastructure such as transport and airports for development of tourism in the state. Development of good roads is essential for easy access of famous tourist spots. For this purpose Rs.30 crores will be provided this year. Efforts will be made for promoting the establishment of hotels and other facilities through private investments at various tourist places.
153. Tricentenary celebrations for the “Gur-ta-Gaddi” are being organized at Nanded in Maharasthtra in October this year. A large number of pilgrims are expected to visit Jhera Gurudvara at Bidar during this period. For providing civic amenities in Bidar, in this connection an amount of Rs.25 crores will be provided.
154. A scheme will be formulated for the development of tourism around Mangalore Karnish through public private partnership.
* Rs.One crores will be provided for setting up Vigyaneshwara Garden and Cultural Center at Marthur in Gulbarga district.
* Rs. One crores will be provided for the development of Kukkarahalli tank in Mysore
Forest and Environment 155. The budget for 2008‑09 has an allocation of Rs.194 crores for forest and environment. The State government attaches great importance to the conservation of our forest resources particularly the biodiversity in sensitive areas like the Western Ghats. The government will constitute a special Task Force for the conservation of the flora and fauna of these areas.
156. It is proposed identify areas of importance from the point of conserving biodiversity in established Devara Kadus, rivers, tanks, and hills of the state and promote eco tourism in such areas. A special scheme will be formulated for the conservation of the birth place of our rivers.
157. The government has decided to develop 2731 hectares of plantations of 13 medicinal plants in collaborations with the Foundation for the Revival of Native Health Systems.
158. For starting a special for promoting cultivation of sandal wood an amount of Rs.2 crores has been provided.
159. Village Forest Committees will be revived and it is proposed to extend these committees to 1000 villages.
160. An allocation of Rs.100 crores will be utilised out of the NREGP outlay for the state for implementing Social Forestry works throughout the state. Funds will be provided for promoting urban forestry in the major towns of the state.
Information and Publicity 161. The Information Department will be strengthened for conveying information about various government development schemes to the people in an effective manner. For this purpose grant of Rs.10 crores will be provided during 2008-09 to the department.
*"Kannada Platinum Film Festival" at national, state and district levels in association with the film industry in the context of the completion of 75 years of the first talkie Kannada movie.
*The establishment of a Kannada Film Academy has been a long pending demand of the Kannada film industry. Government will to set up the Kannada Film Academy during the current year.
*Any kannada film winning the national golden lotus award will be given a special a reward of Rs.25 lakh.
* An endowment fund of Rs.50 lakh will be setup for the welfare of senior journalists. A separate committee consisting of retired senior journalists and others will be setup for management of this fund. The existing endowment fund for the welfare of the working journalists will be increased from Rs.50 Lakh to Rs.One crores.
*The amount for bus passes for journalists will be increased to Rs.2,000.
* An additional amount of Rs.3 crores has been provided towards the service charges of news agencies.
Youth Services 162. This year Karnataka has undertaken the responsibility of hosting the National Youth Sports Meet for the first time. For this purpose Rs.5 crores has been provided in the budget.
163. For creating sports facilities and multi gymnasiums Rs.25 crores have been provided. The grants to Karnataka Sports Academy for giving special training and coaching to the sports persons will be increased.
164. Grants will be provided for increasing the honorarium to the coaches substantially. A new insurance scheme called ‘Yuva Sanjeevini’ will be formulated for the sports persons. A new youth policy will be formulated for the development of the youth in the state.
165. Assistance of Rs.2 crores will be provided to Bharath Scouts & Guides for developing their training campus at Doddaballapura.
Law 166. For the circuit bench of High Court for Dharwad and Gulbarga Rs.50 crores have been provided. Further, for acquiring land for setting up Law University an amount of Rs.4 crores has been reserved in the budget.
Government Servants 167. The Government has already implemented the first part of the Fifth Pay Commission. The Government has also decided to implement most of the recommendations in the second part of the Commission’s report. An important decision is to give a higher pay scale of Rs.6500 to the school teachers who will have greater motivation to impart quality education due to their increased salaries.
168. Experienced employees are an asset to the Government. With the increase in the life expectancy and improvement in other health indicators, it is possible for the employees to serve for a longer period than earlier. With this background, the government has decided to increase the retirement age of Government employees from 58 to 60 years.
Administrative Reforms 169.The use of technology is very important for improving transparency and efficiency in the Government system. An information highway will be established between Vidhana Soudha and the district and taluka level offices through a State Wide Area Network (SWAN).
170.For Redressal of public greviances of rural people, web based system would be established. The rural people can lodge their complaints in gram panchayat office or through any cyber café. The status of compliant can be obtained through electronic means.
171. The number of Bangalore One centers will be increased from the present 34 to 75. Similar centers will be opened in Hubli-Dharwad, Gulbarga, Belgaum, Bellary, Shimoga, Mysore and Mangalore cities.
172. Various high powered committees would be constituted under the chairmanship of Chief Minister for examining the comprahensive development of 7 major cities along with Bangalore.
173.The foundation stone for the construction of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha at Belgaum has been laid some time ago even though the work has not yet commenced. The work on this project will be accelerated this year utilizing an allocation of Rs.50 crores provided in the budget.
174. For establishing new district offices in Chikaballapura district headquarters Rs.20 crores will be provided.
Strategies for Economic Development175. The total expenditure by the State government programmes for all its activities and amounts to about 21% of the estimated GSDP. Out of this, the development expenditure as a proportion of GSDP at 15% is among the highest by the state governments. This has been possible in view of prudent management of the non-development expenditure.
176. The total investment needed for developing infrastructure, providing public services and investing in human resources is a lot more than the fiscal capacity of the state government. Apart from the financing gap, it is well recognized that there are sectors where private sector has much better efficiency, managerial capability and risk bearing capacity than the public sector.
177. In this context, a paradigm shift is needed in the development financing. A strong partnership between the public and private sectors based on allocation of responsibilities and risks as per respective expertise of the two sectors should be the preferred mode for development of the state. The state government would create an enabling environment for facilitating such public private partnerships through creation of institutional and legal framework.
178. For the projects that are economically viable but may not have financial viability, the government would provide viability gap support so that the private sector can undertake such projects. Such Public Partnership may also require a helping hand from the public by way of appropriate user charges.

Karnataka hikes tax to check alarming rise in vehicles

2008-07-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

Bangalore, July 17 (IANS) In what may be the first of its kind initiative in the country, the Karnataka government Thursday decided to hike lifetime tax on vehicles to slow down the alarming rate at which personalised vehicles were being added every year in urban areas, causing traffic chaos and pollution. Presenting tax proposals in the revised budget for the fiscal 2008-09, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa told lawmakers in the legislative assembly that the lifetime tax on all passenger vehicles except two-wheelers would be increased by two percent.
“To meet the increasing expenditure on development and maintenance of the road network in the state, I propose to pass some of the burden on users of cars and multi-utility vehicles. It is necessary to slow down the alarming rate at which vehicles are being added in urban areas, causing traffic jams and pollution,” Yeddyurappa said presenting the maiden budget of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Lifetime tax on vehicles costing less than Rs.500,000 will be increased to 12 percent from 10 percent. On vehicles priced between Rs.500,000 and Rs.1 million, the tax will be 13 percent instead of 11 percent, and for vehicles priced above Rs.1 million, the tax will go up to 16 percent from 14 percent.
“The revised lifetime tax on passenger vehicles is expected to yield an additional revenue of Rs.1 billion per year,” Yeddyurappa, who also holds the finance portfolio, pointed out.
As part of additional resource mobilisation, the forest development tax will be extended to private mining and quarrying operations in forest areas to raise Rs.1.5 billion per year. Presently, the tax is levied on state-run firms.
To aggressively promote growth of wineries and wine production in the state, the licence fee for setting up a winery has been reduced to Rs.5,000 from Rs.50,000. Similarly, fee for a tavern license has been fixed at a nominal Rs.1,000.
“It is hoped the liberalised taxation on wines and the promotional efforts of the state wine board will take firm roots benefiting thousands of grape farmers in the state,” Yeddyurappa noted.
Interestingly, the state government has decided to permit opening up of 1,000 additional liquor shops and 500 additional bars and restaurants across the state through licenses.
“Additional liquor shops and bars will help consumers in rural areas from commuting long distances to obtain IML (Indian made liquor) for consumption after sale of arrack (country liquor) was banned last year,” the chief minister noted.
The state also decided to permit transfer of licenses from urban to rural areas and from one place to another in rural areas within a district to facilitate opening of shops in unreserved areas.
On the industrial development front, the government plans to develop six special industrial zones under public-private partnerships (PPP) for optimal utilisation of natural and human resources in the state. The state will contribute about Rs.5 billion towards the development of these zones.
A steel zone will be set up in north Karnataka comprising Bellary, Koppal, Raichur, Bagalkot, Haveri and Gadag districts. Similarly, a cement zone will be established for Gulbarga, Bagalkot, Chitradurga, Belgaum and nearby districts. A food zone will be set up for Bangalore rural, Kolar, Shimoga, Bagalkot,Bijapur, Davengere and other districts.
An IT-biotech zone will span Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Shimoga and Gulbarga districts. Ramanagara, Shimoga and Hubli-Dharwad will be earmarked for an automobile zone and a garment zone will come up in Bangalore rural, Tumkur, Kolar, Mandya, Belgaum, Bidar and Dharwad districts.
“To promote the IT-BT industry beyond Bangalore and Mysore, I propose to set up new knowledge centres in two zones comprising tertiary areas by giving exemption from stamp duty, reduction in registration charges and waiver of conversion fee as per the guidelines in the new industrial policy of the state (2006-11),” Yeddyurappa added.

QuEST Manufacturing sets up a dedicated sheet metal fabrication facility for aerospace

2008-07-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Appoints Nicholas Belbin as advisory board member to leverage over 45 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing

Bangalore, India, July 15, 2008 – QuEST, a leading provider of outsourced engineering services and manufacturing announced today that QuEST Manufacturing, its wholly owned subsidiary, is setting up a dedicated sheet metal fabrication facility for aerospace in its 300 acre Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Belgaum, Karnataka, India.

This facility would in close proximity to machining and special processing and would support both engine and structural sheet metal forming. Phase-1 of this facility would consist of sheet metal cutting, brake forming, hydro forming / fluid forming, heat treatment for aluminum and assembly operations like riveting, etc.

“Setting up of the sheet metal processing facility will enable QuEST and its current customers to graduate towards integrated sourcing and assemblies. It reiterates our commitment to setup an ecosystem for the supply chain catering to global aerospace industry requirement. Combined with the rest of our capabilities it positions us uniquely in the aerospace industry in India.” said Aravind Melligeri, Chairman & Co-founder, QuEST.

QuEST has appointed Nicholas Belbin, as an advisory board member at QuEST Manufacturing to leverage his extensive experience in aerospace sheet metal processing. He has been instrumental in establishing FMS and computerized systems for various forming processes like brake forming, hydro-forming, hot forming etc. He has also written detailed specifications for forming and processing of sheet metal fabrication and assembly.

QuEST is participating in the Farnborough International Airshow 2008 – UK, during which, it would be showcasing its end-to-end capabilities in aerospace engineering which include design and drafting/modeling, analysis/simulation, design automation, technical documentation, instrumentation and controls, electrical wiring/harness, avionics, embedded systems, manufacturing engineering, prototyping, in-house precision machining, sheet metal work and special processing.

Wanted! Regional language speakers for BPOs (MphasiS plans for Hubli, Bellary)

2008-07-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Priyanka Golikeri/ DNA MONEY
Tuesday, 15 July , 2008, 08:34
Last Updated: Tuesday, 15 July , 2008, 09:31

Tucked away in a narrow lane off SV Road in Goregaon in a three-storey cream-coloured building is a 950-sq ft business process outsourcing (BPO) unit.
A spacious room in the building is filled with eight bays-files, computers, and knick-knacks on each of the 64 desks.

The 256-odd employees are busy replying to customer calls. But instead of speaking English in the much-ridiculed firang accent, they are actually interacting with customers in India's regional languages. The buzz in the room is a mix of Marathi, Gujarati, Assamese and Oriya.

This BPO unit is no pathbreaker. It is one among many that are now looking at tapping the domestic market, thereby opening career doors for millions of educated Indians from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Take the case of 20-year-old R Rukmini. The bespectacled, gangly second-year arts student works in a BPO in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. For a monthly salary of Rs 8,500, Rukmini spends her evenings Monday to Friday taking customer calls, expertly balancing her work with studies.
But before she joined here, Rukmini was worried about the restrictions her Tamil-based education placed on her job prospects. She thought she would have to go for extra coaching to polish her rudimentary English and become employable.

Soothing her worries, the domestic BPO gave her the opportunity to build a career in the language that she has been familiar with for the last 14-15 years of her life. Till recently, fluent English was required for a decent call centre job. Those with fluency in foreign languages such as French, German, Korean and Spanish, among others, were in greater demand. Much has changed, with the BPO industry, growing at 35-40% annually, now taking seriously the 15 Indian languages printed on any Rs 100 note.

Driving this trend is a surge in sectors such as telecom, banking, insurance, financial services, and retail, which are the top clients of domestic BPOs.

N K Srikanth, the head of operations at domestic BPO MphasiS, says the telecom industry adds millions of subscribers annually. "These companies need people proficient in local languages to deal with customers across regions within India. So the demand for people well-versed in regional languages is increasing," he adds.

Customers from non-urban areas prefer speaking in their local language, points out Radhika Balasubramanian, the chief operating officer (domestic BPO), Intelenet Global Services. "People fluent in regional languages ensure a better rapport with customers." Intelenet has about 15,000 employees in 13 centres. Estimated at $1.6 billion, the domestic BPO market has over 50 big and small players. It employs more than 5 lakh people, a workforce that the industry experts see swelling by at least 50% annually in the near future as domestic BPO players are fast expanding their base.

The $200 million Aegis Services BPO, which has nine centres, is planning three to four new units annually in the next few years. Managing director and chief executive Aparup Sengupta expects the company's client base of 78 to grow at 30-40% every year. "This means a monthly addition of an average of 500 people to our employee base of 16,000," he says.

This fiscal, Infovision Group would add about 5,000 people to its workforce of 10,500. According to founder and MD Aditya Gupta, this fiscal, the company would add four new centres to the existing 23.

MphasiS, which has 7,000 employees, would grow its workforce by 50% annually over the next few years, says Srikanth. "We have six centres, and will add more in tier-III areas such as Indore, Bellary and Hubli in Karnataka."

This means opportunities for regional language speakers with minimum 10+2 education and basic English and computer skills in tier-III and IV towns. Srikanth says that as much as 40% of its employees are non-graduates, mostly from non-English backgrounds.

The catch, however, is that these regional language-speaking employees get lower salaries compared to their English-speaking counterparts. The billing rate for domestic clients is about 20% lower than that for international clients, says Infovision's Gupta. "Hence, the salaries of employees servicing domestic clients are 20-40% lower than those who service international clients."

Not that the employees are complaining. A starting salary of Rs 7,000-10,500 for customer service executives in domestic BPOs is no chickenfeed.

`Tear` II cities: No frills, no thrills, moan BPO staff

2008-07-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Lack of malls, multiplexes and other social infrastructure stall advent of the BPO wave into tier II, III cities.
When 26-year-old Nirup was asked by his company to get ready for a stint in Hubli-Dharwad, he decided to hunt for a new job.
"What can I do in Hubli after office hours or during weekends? If I remain in Bangalore, I can spend time visiting shopping malls, multiplexes and pubs," Nirup explained to Business Standard while insisting that the BPO he currently works for in Bangalore should not be named.
Nirup's is not an isolated case, there are several others of his ilk who are not keen on shifting to tier II and tier III cities for lack of a proper social infrastructure like shopping and entertainment facilities.
Though BPO companies have the first-mover advantage while acquiring land in these tier II and III cities, industry experts admit the biggest challenge is attracting skilled employees to these locations.
At present, the total direct employment provided by India's IT-BPO sector is 2 million, of which over 90 per cent is captured by the seven leading cities of Bangalore, Mumbai, NCR, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Kolkata. According to the recent Nasscom-A T Kearney study on `location road map for IT-BPO growth', the share of sectoral employment in the top seven locations will decline to around 60-75 per cent over the next decade and that will subsequently result in the rise of tier II and tier III cities'.
"But that cannot be achieved by only installing physical infrastructure like power lines and mass-transport system in tier II and tier III cities. Efforts should also be made to create an ecosystem that comprises social infrastructure with the trappings of metropolitan life," contended Saurine M Doshi, partner A T Kearney India. In fact, the Nasscom-A T Kearney assessment of 50 leading locations for IT-BPO sector had pointed out that a lack of recreational facilities was also a handicap for the tier-II and III cities.
For instance: while cities like Mangalore and Hubli-Dharwad were favoured by companies in terms of cost advantage, they fared badly in terms of social environment and location attractiveness. Though Hubli-Dharwad got an IT park a few years ago, it failed to make an impact because of the lack of social infrastructure. Youngsters who hail from that region prefer to enjoy modern lifestyle in Bangalore than lead a ‘no-frills life' there.
It is a problem faced by the industry across the country, said H R Binod, Infosys senior vice president (commercial and facilities). In fact, when Infosys started a unit in Chandigarh, young employees complained there were no good pubs in the city and instead preferred to work in Bangalore, Binod recalled at the recent BPO Strategy Summit organised by Nasscom.
This apart, another major challenge faced in tier II and III cities, according to Binod, is with regard to spouse employability. While the seven leading locations provide job options for the spouses of IT-BPO employees, it is not the same with the smaller cities.
The IT-BPO industry has requested the government to create a clear plug-and-play environment in the smaller cities and to improve competitiveness among them, besides asking real-estate players to take note of the industry's requirements in these cities. "If there are enough facilities in the smaller towns, it will surely attract both skilled employees and new clients.
Not just good access roads and class hotels, care should be taken to construct enough studio apartments for bachelors," Binod suggested. Dubbing the lack of recreational avenues as a dampener, Binod suggested the realtors to study the Manila set-up where BPOs operate from shopping malls.
For the realtors, it has turned out to be a catch-22 situation. "What if we spruce up the place by investing crores of rupees and the IT-BPO companies don't come there?" a prominent builder from Hyderabad asked.
In fact, a lot of real-estate players have begun to attend Nasscom summits and other IT conferences across the country these days to understand what the IT-BPO industry wants and how serious it is. While the realtors debate, the Union government has been talking about a panacea in the form of IT Investment Regions (ITIRs), which are integrated IT townships.

Karnataka University Alumni

2008-07-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Nagesh Tavarageri,

It is with pleasure I write to inform you that our Karnatak University Alumni Meet is now set and the ball is rolling. I shall have all the details sent to you later in the day.

I wish to inform you that our Hon Vice Chancellor Dr. S Saidapur is visiting US to attend AKKAs Meeting. We have been feeling that if around the same time or subsequent to the same occassion or even the same occassion be used to inaugurate the KU Alumni Meet, it would be great.

As you are aware, we have a huge KU Alumni. We have just begun its activities and we are really looking at the likes of you to help us in our endeavour to make KU known to all. Your ideas will also be useful. You could also use the same platform to leverage North Karnataka students who are now well positioned in the US.

I dont know if you are a product of KU. But almost all engineers who passed out of BVB some time ago before the transfer of Engineering to VTU were our students. If you are an alumnus of KU, and if you are relatively ok,I feel it will be a great to have you take the lead in having the KU Alumni Meet at Chicago or at Seattle during this time. This will be the first meet of KU Alumni in the US.

I feel it will be a great begining and with your access on the yahoo groups, I am sure the University will be able to address all the issues of the past students and take the lead forward in making the University one of the best. Please feel free to make suggestions on how to take the KU Alumni Meet in the US forward.

Looking forward to hearing from you

Bye and with warm wishes
Subhas

Dr.MS Subhas
Dean and Director,
KIMS Karnataka University
Dharwad 580 003

Peoples Agenda for Hubli-Dharwad & North Karnataka - Meeting Minutes

2008-07-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Peoples Agenda for Development of Hubli Dharwad and North Karnataka is given below:

A meeting to discuss The Peoples Agenda for Development of Hubli Dharwad and North Karnataka was organized in BVB College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli on the 22nd June 2008.
The matter of Deliberation was various aspects of development of the Twin Cities and North Karnataka. This is a Joint venture of the Hubli City E Group and Rashtrottan Sankalp.

Agenda touching upon various aspects of development like Infrastructure, Education, Industry and Commerce, Culture and Sports, Tourism, IT/BT etc required for the emergence of Hubli Dharwad on the next destination for investment were discussed in a very lively atmosphere. Among the distinguished participants were Dr M S Subhas, Dean KIMS, Dr Satish Annigeri, Entrepreneurs, Academicians, Professionals and many among of the General Public

The meeting began with the introduction of the Hubli City E group by Mr. Sunil Nalvade and Rashtrottan Sankalp by Mr. Srivathsa. The key note address was delivered by Prof Mahantesh Swamy, HoD Dept of Automobile Engineering BVB. He spoke about the need for the citizens to be aware and participate actively in the democratic process to hold the Government accountable for all its actions. He emphasized the need for the existence and energetic functioning of a non partisan citizen pressure group like this He felt that while carrying a broad vision of development, the pressure group should focus and pursue the issues which are of concern to everyone like perennial water problem in the twin cities. He said the change is possible if the people persist with their demand and work with the government for their realization

Mr. Santosh Nargund presented the Peoples Agenda and introduced the gathering of the need for a Pressure Group or a people platform. He said that this platform would act as a non partisan body of citizens to which anybody can associate and work for the development of the cities and region. He brought out the contract between the economic development of Bangalore and other parts of the State, particularly North Karnataka. He also mentioned how large amounts of funds are spent by agencies like BDA, BBMP and the State Government for the development of Bangalore, when large part of the state are starved for Funds for development. He also mentioned the existence of several voluntary organizations in cities like Bangalore which work like watchdogs for the government. Similar experiment could be followed in cities like Hubli-Dharwad. He felt that if citizens participate actively in the democratic process and are able to dedicate even a small portion of their time a great difference can be done to our city and nation. He also gave an example of Brazil, where a successful experiment of participatory democracy has been demonstrated

Dr M S Subhas spoke on the need for a strategic and Holistic plan for the overall development of the Twin Cities. He cautioned against vague notions of development. He also emphasized the importance of networking of voluntary organization and citizen for the realization of the Peoples Agenda. He felt that interactions between experts and institutes with expertise in various fields and the government were highly essential for development of the city. He said that there is ample scope for Social Entrepreneurship in Northern Karnataka. An important point made was the pressing necessity of a common
point of contact from the government to facilitate investment in the region. Computerization of records and process of HDMC could go a long way in bringing transparency and efficiency in administration. Dr Subhas pointed out that the requirement of moving good proposals to various government agencies, be it non conventional energy resources or tourism or human resource development

Mr. Sunil Rai, founder of Bharat Water Foundation and member of KCCI informed the gathering that a similar set of demands has been presented to the recently elected representatives of this region. He expressed hope that this platform and KCCI could work together. He came up with a innovative idea by proposing the Government to develop rejuvenate one lake every year. He also emphasized on the need for water conservation in traditional methods of water use. He informed the gathering that the Hon MLA's disclosed in the meeting of KCCI that Rs 136 crores has been sanctioned for the water supply to Dharwad and Rs 100 Crores for up gradation of Highway between Hubli-Dharwad

Mr. Jagdish Hiremath, Founder Able Designs, Dharwad welcomed the formation of a pressure Group and expressed the need to lobby and work dedicatedly for the development of North Karnataka.
Mr. Prasanna Dixit, Entrepreneur/ Mahvaeer Info System highlighted the need for creation of a Brand value for Hubli Dhawrwad on an investment destination.
Dr Kamalaxi, Political Scientist opined that People from North Karnataka ought to be more assertive.

Summing up the interaction, Mr. Santosh emhasize3d that this imitative would be pursued actively by forming working groups to tackle immediate issues like water supply. It was resolved that representations from this group will be taken to the Deputy Commissioner and HDMC Commissioner in the next few days. The group would meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month at the Automobile Dept at BVB College of Engineering.

For more information on the Agenda write to Hubli City Group/ Rashtrottan Sankalp at http://us.mc545.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=info.rastr@gmail.com / http://us.mc545.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sunilnalavade@gmail.com.

The details of the People's Agenda is avialalbe at http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/activities24

The related media reports are available at http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/gallery222

JAI HIND
http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/

Karnataka to reboot, targets Rs 1,20,000-cr IT revenues by 2011

2008-06-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE: Top software industry leaders have presented a blueprint to the BJP government in Karnataka for the revitalisation of the information technology and biotech industries in the state to more than double revenue from the sectors to Rs 1,20,000 crore by 2011.

One of the key components of the blueprint is the creation of four new hubs of 500 acres each around Bangalore exclusively for companies in the IT, BT and health sectors, with industry and government jointly buying land from farmers at market rates.

Access to land in and around Bangalore for expansion, along with the city’s well-documented infrastructure crisis, have been long-standing concerns for IT companies. Applications for land allotment by top names such as Infosys and Wipro have been hanging fire even as they step up investments at locations outside Karnataka.

Karnataka’s leadership in the IT sector appears to be under serious threat, with software exports from the state growing by just 11% during 2007-08, compared to Andhra Pradesh’s 41%, Tamil Nadu 37% and the national average of 29%.

Bangalore’s technology sector employs some 6 lakh people, nearly a tenth of the city’s total population. The revitalisation blueprint, a copy of which is with ET, envisages an autonomous empowered authority to give all permissions and approvals for what it calls the ‘IT-BT-Health cities.’

“A high-power committee consisting of members from the government and industry will be formed to negotiate and finalise the land procurement,” it says.

In addition a monitoring panel headed by the state’s IT minister and including representatives from government and industry has been suggested. Software companies are wary of property developers and real-estate companies developing technology parks and would prefer instead to set up campuses on their own. The IT industry wants the four new hubs to be located along the proposed peripheral ring road around Bangalore, which is being taken up at a cost of about Rs 3,000 crore.

To give a thrust to the new government’s policy of developing tier II and tier-III cities as magnets for technology companies, the IT industry is asking for a special investment of Rs 500 crore each in Mysore and the port city of Mangalore in three years. It also wants an ‘electronic city’ to be established on 1,000 acres of land in Mysore on the lines of the main technology hub on the outskirts of Bangalore.

A similar integrated IT-BT-Health city is envisaged for the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad to be set up under a public-private partnership. For the northern cities of Belgaum and Gulbarga, it wants ‘electronic cities’ which will help generate large-scale local employment for business process outsourcing companies.

Karnataka’s new IT minister, Katta Subramanya Naidu, has asked technology companies to fan out to the state’s smaller towns and cities to generate local employment and to ease the strain on Bangalore, which is groaning under poor infrastructure and problems with land acquisition.

Software companies say they are ready to invest in other parts of the state, but the government must provide adequate infrastructure and access to human resources in these areas.

Meeting on Peoples Agenda for Hubli-Dharwad - Perceptions

2008-06-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Nagesh Tavarageri,

Thanks a lot for the invitation to attend the Meet at BVB.It was attended to by some of the most dedicated professionals. But I do have certain issues that need to be addressed for the overall development of the region- which otherwise might miss the bus.

Please do recollect the various discussions we had on the development of the region.
There are three most important aspects that i can see here. They are as follows:

* The First is the Rights Issues and more related to the citizens and the particpation of the Civil
Society.
* The Second is the development of the smaller enterprises in related areas - which can be in areas like Auto Cluster, Valve Cluster, Foundry Cluster, Aero component Cluster, Textile Cluster, etc... each of which can be a SEZ by itself. But for each one there is a need to have a local leader who takes the most strong lead and sees to it that it happens. Here the investment would come in respective sectors and would be more of a fragmented nature and of cluster approach- which has been most successful even from SIDBI point of view.
* The Third (and the more important one as i can see) is the activity that can spur development in the region by the start of a large enterprise. This so far has been in the area of IT/ITES. As you all know ITES development can happen in close association with the Real estate giants.

The unfinished agenda of the IT Investors meet held last time was the invitation of the larger real estate players who work in close association with larger IT companies to make sure that investments in the areas of other city development like schools, parks, multi plexes, boarding schools, hi class medical facilities - in short all that is required for decent quality of life in Hubli-Dharwad area is developed. All that happened thanks to Mr. Manivannan and Mr Srikar the DC. (I am sure the city misses them in their action as it was during their times!). Unfortunatley, before all that could finally happen, a lot of smaller and more irritant issues engulfed all our efforts and left us no where. The only silver lining (again thanks to Mr. Manivannan. But for him, this small piece of land would have gone missing!) was the formation of a group of smaller IT/ITES companies in HD area- minus TCS and Quest etc. But as you all can see that this development of smaller ITES companies could really result in greater success if some larger- real large IT/ITES company comes in this region. The impact of these smaller companies could be felt more in the long run. But as the favourite cliche goes, in the long run everyone is dead! So it doesnt make much sense these days. So my strong urge is to have the following steps:

* Please Network with important individuals who matter - and who know how to make a bigger plan for the CIty
* Come out with the clear STRATEGY for the Hubli Dharwad City- though it is a bit late now.
* The Strategy should include atleast five SEZs of all or similar kinds (atleast three different types) (This five is necessary so that the focus of all the anti establishment activitists are divided. So if one or two take a slow track it is still much better to have threeSEZ!)
* Push as hard as possible to make sure atleast a few of the leading Serious Realty players in the ITES field come in.
* GIve them a clear free hand to see to it that it the large ones in different areas or similar areas are really set in.(And it is very important to separat the big ones from the smaller cluster- please)
* There should be a clear time frame - of not more than One or Two years for handing over to the comapnies

My honest feeling is that emotions are running the groups activities so far and it so good. But that is alone not enough. First and foremost we need to Strategise.Secondly we need to have some of the local political leaders like Mr. Pahlad Joshi or our DIstrict Minister etc.. ot be formally involved in high energy meet with this group on this issue. Have some important local leaders to also take part in it. More important the Educationists- because I guess they tend to be apolitical!? Irrespective of all this I would like to stress that taking this group forward with your active particpation at the final moment when the actual City Strategy is spelt out and the Local political leaders take it as an agenda for themselves, we will see it happen. As always I would love to be associated from the academic front from KUD. I could invite a few more active partners too from our education field who share some comfort zone with local political leaders. But it is very important that the whole movement not fall into a trap of leading to smaller players getting stuck to fend the whole development issues of this region- which in my oinion is not at all enough. As I mentioned earlier- Kolhapur developed differently from how Pune developed. Kolhapr will take a long time - but Pune will be faster- I mean in the ITES field. But please let us have a larger pricture defined clearly. With the development of larger companies a hundred smaller ones will develop faster than they are doing now.

These are my honest feelings - which I have shared and am also putting it forward. Please do react. I am as alwasy passionate about the development of this region. INcidentally Mr. Suresh Heblikar has shown immense passion for the development of Hubli-Dharwad in the area of Environment Protection and development of Eco firendly cities. He could be involved. Mr. Bhadri- earlier Director of SISI at Hubli is also passionate about development of clusters- auto etc. He could be invited. I am sure there are a lot more!! Sorry if I have missed their names. But there are a lot more. Please do react.

Bye and with warm wishes to all... thanks to Sunil, Santosh Nargund, Sunil Rai, Prof.Veeramahantesh Swamy and lastly to Mr. Ashok Shettar and all others.

Thanks to you Nagesh- I enjoyed it.

Bye

Dr. MS Subhas
Professor of Management,
Dean and Director,
KIMS,
Karnatak University, Dharwar 580 003.

CBaySystems to invest $25-mn; ramp-up headcount in country

2008-06-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: With a view to rapidly ramp up operations and expand its footprint in the country, CBaySystems (http://www.cbaysystems.com/), has drawn up a USD 25 mn capex plan over the next two years.

CBaySystems also plans to up its headcount to 10,000 from the present 5,500 and set up 10 new centres, primarily in Tier II and III locations, by 2010.

The company is a global leader in the healthcare information management and patient financial services (PFS) space with over 400 large hospitals in the US, physician practices and clinics as its clients.

"We have lined up an USD 25 mn investment for India over the next two years to fuel our expansion. We also plan to raise our headcount to 10,000 by then," CBaySystems India Director and Chief Operating Officer, Dinesh Kumar, said.

The funds would be raised through internal accruals and "also through outside funding", Kumar said. CBaySystems runs its global back-end operations from India through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CBaySystems India.

Headquartered in Mumbai, the company presently has 37 centres in the country including Bangalore, Hyderabad, a small unit in Vijayawada which it plans to expand, and Nagpur.

"We now plan to enter Tier II and III locations such as Hubli, Indore, Raipur, Belgaum and Coimbatore, apart from Chennai," Kumar said.

Bangalore trails neighbours in IT exports

2008-06-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

12 Jun, 2008, 1127 hrs IST,P P Thimmaya & J Padmapriya, ET Bureau

BANGALORE: Battered by long years of neglect by government, a tired Karnataka and its capital Bangalore have fallen way behind rival neighbouring states in the pace of growth in software exports. During 2007-08, software exports from the state—the bulk of it from Bangalore—grew by just 11% even as Andhra Pradesh gallopped at 41% and Tamil Nadu at 37%, raising serious doubts whether Bangalore still deserves its title as the technology capital of India. The national average growth rate during 2007-08 was 29%, far eclipsing the state’s. Karnataka exported software worth Rs 54,000 crore in the 12 months to March 2008 and Rs 48,600 crore in the year-ago period, when the growth rate was 36%. “I fear for the future of the IT industry in Karnataka,” remarked Infosys Technologies HR director T V Mohandas Pai. “Karnataka has suffered on the IT front for the last four years for reasons very well known. The morale is very low and the results are there to see.” Even after taking into account the 11% appreciation in the value of the rupee against the US dollar last year, the dismal growth does not justify the size of the industry in Karnataka, especially Bangalore, industry experts reckon. Some others argue that since the base is so large, it may not be possible to sustain high rates of growth. The Indian software services industry has been recording annual growth of between 28% and 35% in the last few years.

Vaatsalya's hub-and-spoke model delivers affordable healthcare

2008-06-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

A decade ago, two roommates at Karnataka Medical College in Hubli were vying to get into the best super-specialty hospital possible. They were nowhere near the 'E' of enterprise. Ashwin Naik and Veerendra Hiremath went their ways. While Naik went on to earn a Master's from the University of Houston, his junior by two years, Hiremath, completed his Master's from the Hinduja Institute of Healthcare Management in Hyderabad.

Eventually, Naik found himself in Triestaa Sciences, a clinical research organisation that conducts advanced genomics research in the field of oncology. Four years back as he was travelling around the country and conducting advanced research, Naik was stunned by the lack of basic healthcare facilities. He bumped into his old roommate in Bangalore and found Hiremath had actually specialised in running hospitals. That's when Naik and Hiremath decided to join hands for a second inning. In 2004, the duo founded Vaatsalya Healthcare to create a network of hospitals in semi-urban and rural India with an emphasis on preventive care. "We realised that there was not only an opportunity to do good, but also have a sustainable business", recalls the 35-year-old Naik.

Today, Vaatsalya operates four hospitals in Karnataka on a hub-and-spokes model. With hospitals in Hubli, Gadag, Karwar and Bijapur, it's poised to add yet another spoke next month in Bagalkot. So far, Bijapur is the only hub with about 70 beds, and the rest make up with about 20 beds each. It's not just a matter of size, the hubs are better off in the realm of specialisation as well. Nevertheless, the entire premise of Naik and Hiremath's endeavour rests on affordable healthcare at consultancy fees ranging from Rs 25-60. Are the medicines subsidized too? "That's not in our hands", rues Naik. But being in the preventive domain, the hospitals focus only on pediatrics, gynecology, medicine and surgery. "If a person has a heart attack, we can minimise the risk and send him to urban areas with better facilities. But in the villages, chances of people getting heart attacks may be lower than those suffering from, say, diarrhoea", explains Naik.

As with most startups, fresh infusion of capital was a worry. So Naik had to bank on his near-and-dear ones in the US to raise the first tranche of $150,000. "We used that to start a pilot in Hubli in 2005 and got doctors, nurses and set up the infrastructure", he says. By the middle of 2005, venture capitalist (VC) Aavishkaar India MVCF sniffed an opportunity in the venture and pumped in an additional $150,000 for two more facilities in Gadag and Karwar. "We've been investing in rural businesses for 8-9 years and Vaatsalya offered a compelling business proposition. It was a real initiative and I don't think very many initiatives like this exist in India", points out Vineet Rai, CEO of Aavishkaar India, which now holds 26% in Vaatsalya.

Though Naik is reticent on revenues, he claims that his three hospitals have broken even. Traditionally, hospital businesses are cash-driven and profitability is governed by margin play. But the Naik-Hiremath duo has done their math on volumes. Yet, they're able to sustain on 25% gross margins from each hospital. "We follow the Air Deccan model of healthcare with special emphasis on quality and service", says Naik. "When we started out, we thought that people in semi-urban and rural areas would not pay, but now we find otherwise...people prefer us to government hospitals", he observes.

Rural rich, empowerment, whatever be the case, Vaatsalya's bucolic foray seems to be paying off. Three months back, the company got its second round of funding from Aavishkaar and SeedFund, yet another VC, to roll out across five more states. "We will definitely have 10 hospitals in Karnataka by year-end", claims Hiremath, who had coined 'Vaatsalya', from motherly affection in Sanskrit. Naik seconds Hiremath and adds that in five years, after brand Vaatsalya is suitably positioned, the company would head out for a national rollout. "That's when we'll need the cash and go public", he says.

But not all is hunky-dory. Finding doctors and nurses deep in the hinterland can be a nightmare. "We offer them comparable compensation with metros and also give ESOPs but still find the going tough", confesses Naik. Unlike healthcare facilities in the metros, Vaatsalya has little to worry about attrition but loads to chew on when it comes to hiring. "The kind of business we're in requires post-graduates and we're trying our best to pick them up from the local areas", is Naik's repartee. VCs pumped in close to $100 million (Rs 400 crore) into healthcare firms through 2007, up from $41 million in the previous year. With a business plan firmly rooted to the ground and funding options getting wider, Vaatsalya is egging on doctors and nurses to serve 80% of the population, who live in rural areas, while 80% of healthcare investment lie in urban India.

Akshaya Patra Meals for "Aap Ki Rasoi" Centres in Delhi's Hunger Free Campaign

2008-06-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

Inauguration of another centre (sixth) of “Aap ki Rasoi” took place recently. It is the hunger free program being run by the Delhi Government jointly with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which currently operates the world’s largest mid day meal program across six states. The Hunger Free Campaign program is an innovative initiative under the Bhagidari scheme of the Delhi Government which intends to ensure at least one full time meal to the homeless and the destitute. Akshaya Patra’s expertise in providing healthy and hygienic food over the last eight years to over 8.50 lakh children will come very handy in their ability to feed the underprivileged and hungry in India’s capital.

The ambitious scheme has taken off with a number of centres already functional and serving their purpose. More are on the anvil as Akshaya Patra Foundation, in coordination and aegis of the Delhi Government encourages and involves the private & corporate sector to be party to the social upliftment efforts. It is acting as the nodal agency to bring in a series of corporate companies, NGOs and institutions like Reliance, Guru Govind Singh Hospital, the Taj Hotels, Haldiram, Batra Hopsitals, to name a few, who have come forward to lend a hand and funds to take the program to the needy.

The latest centre, at the Night Shelter, Shahdara (near Delhi Jal Board office), GT Road, is sponsored by the Neotia Foundation. The Hunger Free Campaign began at 12 noon with the inaugural ceremony by Yoganand Shastri, Welfare Minister, Delhi. Meals were served to the poor and the needy. Meals, on the regular basis will be provided daily between 12 noon to 3 pm.
The Bhagidari effort by the New Delhi Government and Akshaya Patra has opened to a healthy response not just from the target audience of the poor but also from the corporate world with more and more coming forward to be associated with welfare initiative. With Akshaya Patra Foundation playing a positive role, the Government is eliciting a favorable response to adopt many sites for similar purpose.

Even though Mrs Sheila dikshit could not be present herself, she blessed the occasion with her inspiring words and hoped that more would respond and take up the cause of the poor.Akshaya Patra’s Suvyekta Narasimhan Das, Project-in-Charge for the Hunger Free Campaign believed that a good beginning has been made in Delhi but there is a long road ahead. “We are here to play a role of the catalyst and so far the response has been welcome, be it from the private sector, NGOs, hospitals and other institutions, “he said.

MORE ABOUT AKSHAYA PATRA
Unlimited Food for Education
(NATIONAL LEVEL SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMME)

According to a UNESCO report, around 13.5 million children in the age group of 6-13 years are out of school in India. Despite the trillion-dollar economic growth, a large chunk of India’s younger generation does not have access to schools because of poverty and malnutrition.
To facilitate the education of needy children, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, provides unlimited noon meals in schools in partnership with the Central and respective state governments of India. Currently the program is feeding around 8.5 lakh children in over 4,500 government, government aided schools and anganwadis (day care centers) in 14 locations across India on any given day.

They are Bangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Bellary, Mangalore and Mysore in Karnataka, Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh, Jaipur, Nathdwara and Baran in Rajasthan, Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat and Puri in Orissa. This is the largest NGO run school meal program in the world.

What makes Akshaya Patra unique?

* The Akshaya Patra program uses centralized, automated kitchens for cooking food which is then distributed to schools through special purpose vehicles.
* Akshaya Patra’s kitchens can cook about 100,000 meals in less than five hours with least human intervention and sustained quality.
* A three item menu is served to children as per the recommendations ofqualified nutritionists.
* Due to extensive mechanization of the kitchen, the program is able to offer children standardized, high quality, hygienic meals.
* The program also offers education and health interventions for holistic child development.
* Akshaya Patra is a secular, not-for-profit program implemented only in government schools where there is no discrimination whatsoever.
* The program is independently governed by a Board of Trustees & audited by KPMG.
* A study in the year 2006 by AC Nielsen Org Marg Pvt Ltd, has vouchsafed for the efficacy of the program in increasing attendance and enrolment in schools, improving nutritional status of these children, enhancing their learning abilities and reducing drop out rates.
* Akshaya Patra program is run with part subsidies from the government, besides financial support from corporates and individual philanthropists.
* All contributions to The Akshaya Patra Foundation are eligible for 100% tax deduction under section 35AC/80GGA (bb) of the Income Tax Act1961 in India.
* With a vision to ensure that no child in India is deprived of education because of hunger, the Akshaya Patra Foundation is striving to end hunger and create a human resources pool that will propel India into the league of developed nations.

University of Southern California and the Deshpande Foundation Partner to Make Impact in India with Student Ideas

2008-06-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

Student Teams Will Address Two Major Issues in India:

Clean Water and Oral Cancer Education

LOS ANGELES and BOSTON, June 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- What are you
doing on your summer vacation? If you are an innovative student from the
University of Southern California, the answer might be spending summer in
India, providing water treatment measures to mitigate the spread of
water-borne diseases, and educating locals on how to prevent oral cancer.

The USC Stevens Institute for Innovation has partnered with the
Deshpande Foundation, a leading philanthropic foundation focused on
innovation and international development, to pilot a summer program for
student innovators to develop scalable ideas for improving the quality of
life in specific regions of India. The grants will support USC student-led
initiatives addressing major challenges in India. This summer the emphasis
will be on improving the quality of water, and creating greater awareness
of oral cancer.

Through the grants, student teams will receive housing in urban areas,
and will be affiliated with some of the 45 local non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) that have partnered with the Deshpande Foundation to
develop socially innovative projects in India's Northwestern Karnataka
region. The grants will also cover the project development and
implementation expenses. When proven successful, scalable and sustainable,
the student projects may be funded by Deshpande on a continuing basis.
"Above all else, we were looking for scalable and sustainable solutions
to immediate needs, with the potential to impact many lives worldwide. In
selecting the winners for this summer program, we sought interdisciplinary
student teams that are ready to test a product or idea within a real-life
situation today," said Desh Deshpande, from the Deshpande Foundation. "USC
has proven to be an outstanding partner, and we look forward to working
with their students throughout the summer in India."

"Our partnership with Deshpande Foundation exemplifies innovation -
empowering people to make maximum impact with their ideas, for the benefit
of society. And providing this kind of unique and ground-breaking
opportunity for our students serves our mission completely," said Krisztina
"Z" Holly, Vice Provost for Innovation at the University of Southern
California, and Executive Director of the USC Stevens Institute for
innovation. "Our hope is that this pilot program grows beyond USC, to
enable students from universities nationwide to participate."

Team Water

By both providing water treatment measures and educating locals about
the preventative aspect of healthcare by emphasizing hygiene and
sanitation, this six-student team aims to mitigate the spread of
water-borne diseases that are endemic to the Hubli-Dharwad district. The
team will also emphasize a worksite-based health education system where,
instead of simply being treated and sent away, individuals will be
fully-informed and empowered to be responsible for their own health. They
will be working with an organization called 'haath mein sehat,' or health
in their hands (HMS).

According to reports, more than one-third of the population is not
currently covered by public health facilities and one-fourth of the
households do not have access to clean drinking water. It is imperative to
address the health-related problems arising from poor water quality
management because it is the underlying cause of other problems, such as
low economic productivity, access to education, and child mortality.

USC student team members include:

-- Christine Lee, B.S. Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, and
President of Global Medical Brigades-USC
-- David Livingston, B.A. International Relations, member GMB-USC
-- Kimberly Lewkowitz, B.A. International Relations
-- D.J. Strouse, B.S. Biomedical (Electrical) Engineering and member
Engineers Without Borders-USC,
-- Nanda Surendran, B.E. Mechatronics Engineering, M.S. Biomedical
Engineering
-- Alexander John, B.S. Environmental Engineering. Vice-President EWB-USC
Team Oral Cancer

Five USC students will work on a team addressing a specific type oral
cancer unique to the Indian sub continent, an epidemic directly linked to
the consumption of tobacco products that are common in the diet of rural
children. While research over the past few decades has manifest the
widespread and growing nature of the problem, not much information has been
published as to how an organization may begin to address education on the
community and grass-roots level.

This project will implement a plan that aims to educate, the leadership
of a small community for the purposes of minimizing future risks for oral
cancer. The lessons learned by this team will serve as the basis for future
students working in the region.

The team will work directly with children and teachers in schools, and
cancer patients and health care practicioners in clinics and treatment
facilities, to educate the community about oral cancer.

USC student team members include:

-- Tajdip Sandhu, CLAS Biology, USC Keck School of Medicine
-- Crystal Ives, USC Keck School of Medicine
-- Mairin Joseph, USC Keck School of Medicine
-- Sagar Patel, Biological Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine
-- Jeffrey Loh-Doyle, Biological Sciences and International Relations, USC
Keck School of Medicine

"We are thrilled to have been selected as the first teams to pilot this exciting program. The opportunity to try out our idea, on the ground in India, could not have happened without Deshpande Foundation and USC," said Christine Lee, from Team Water. "With the support of this program, perhaps our teams will find real-world, viable solutions to a severe problems in
India and beyond."

About the USC Stevens institute for Innovation

The USC Stevens Institute for Innovation (http://stevens.usc.edu) is a
university-wide resource in the Office of the Provost at the University of
Southern California designed to harness and advance the creative thinking
and breakthrough research from USC for societal impact. USC Stevens
Institute identifies, nurtures, protects, and transfers to the market the
most exciting innovations from USC, and in turn, provides a central
connection for industry seeking cutting-edge innovations in which to
invest. Furthermore, USC Stevens Institute develops the innovator as well
as innovations, through educational programs, community-building events,
and showcase opportunities.

About the Deshpande Foundation

The Deshpande Foundation is the family foundation of Gururaj ("Desh")
and Jaishree Deshpande. Founded in 1996, it is a leading philanthropic
foundation in Massachusetts and India, focused on innovation,
entrepreneurship and international development. The foundation provides
grants to non-profit and non-governmental organizations in the United
States and India that: empower people to participate in a global economy;
use innovation as means of creating opportunities & solving problems; and
improve the quality of life in Northern Karnataka, with a specific emphasis
on the Hubli-Dharwad region. In the US, the foundation focuses on the
Greater Boston Region.

SOURCE University of Southern California

Karnataka Govt planning industrial corridor

2008-06-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hubli (PTI): The newly-elected BJP government in Karnataka plans to establish an industrial corridor along National Highways NH4 and NH218 with the objective of generating employment to people in North Karnataka region, state Minister for Large and Medium industries Murugesh Nirani has said.

Speaking to reporters, the minister, who is in-charge of Dharwad district, said that industries could tap into the raw material resources and basic facilities available along the two highways, connecting Bangalore to Belgaum and Hubli to Bijapur.

He said that iron ore was available in Bellary and instead of exporting iron ore, iron sponge plants could be set up at Bellary, Tumkur and Chitradurga districts. Similarly, steel plants could be set up to provide employment.

Similarly in Bagalkot, Gulbarga and Tumkur district, where limestone is available, cement plants could be set up.

Nirani said that in Bagalkot, Bijapur, Belgaum, Shimoga districts, centres of horticulture, foodprocessing units could be set up using the agricultural products here.

The government would appeal to industrialists to establish industries in Hubli-Dharwad, for which a high level committee would meet at Bangalore on June 27 to consider 36 pending plans and encourage them to move to North Karnataka for establishing industrial units here, he said.

Of the 45 SEZs planned, two for Belgaum and one for Hubli-Dharwad had been sanctioned, he added.

Karnataka to boost IT growth in rural areas

2008-06-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Bangalore, June 20 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Karnataka will soon come out with a policy to take the benefits of information technology to people in the countryside.
"We want IT firms to go beyond Bangalore and tier two cities to towns and villages for replicating their success story in India's IT hub in rural areas. When investment and technology go to rural areas, development and growth will create local jobs, check migration and improve living standards of rural folks," state IT and Science and Technology Minister K. Subramanya Naidu said Friday.
As part of its uniform growth strategy, the government plans to set up computer training institutes in all hoblis - village clusters - across the state in partnership with the IT industry.
Minister for IT, BT, Excise and Information, Katta Subramanya Naidu greets Global R&D Vice President-Beauty Care Product & Gamble, Dr Shekhar Mitra, at Fourth India Innovation Summit 2008-organised by CII, in Bangalore on Friday.
Chairman, India Innovation Summit, Kris Gopalakrishan and Minister for IT, BT, Excise and Information, Katta Subramanya Naidu at Fourth India Innovation Summit 2008-organised by CII, in Bangalore on Friday
"We are planning to take up projects such as rural tele-healthcare in primary health centres and school health in primary schools with the support of the IT industry for extensive use of computers, telecom network and broadband connectivity," Naidu said at the fourth Indian Innovation summit 2008, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
"The proposed rural IT policy will have a special package of incentives and concessions for the IT industry to set up business process outsourcing (BPO) centres in rural areas.
Computer training and skill development will be imparted to the rural youth under public-private initiative with the IT industry and academia," he added.
In a bid to decongest a choked Bangalore and develop tertiary cities on a hub-and-spoke model, the state-run Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (Keonics) will build IT parks and electronic hubs in tier-two cities such as Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Shimoga, Hassan and Davangere.
Keonics will also provide support facilities to IT firms in software/hardware sectors and auxiliary units, while other state departments will build infrastructure such as roads, power, water and connectivity in the IT parks/electronic hubs, spread over 300 acres each.
"These cities will be the new investment regions in the state to facilitate expansion of existing IT firms in Bangalore and attract new firms/investors for ensuring uniform development across the state in partnership with the central government," Naidu told the captains of India Inc.
He extolled the IT industry, especially software giants such as Infosys and Wipro, for putting Bangalore on the world map and creating a global brand; as India's tech capital, the city had become a innovation hub with over 100 research and development (R&D) institutes in every technology field.
"Bangalore has made Karnataka a knowledge region. Sectors of the new economy such as IT and BT (biotechnology) have capitalised on the knowledge skills of the tech city. Innovations in information and communication technologies (ICT), space, aerospace, bio-sciences and nanotechnology have benefited the country," Naidu added.

Centum Electronics Supports Akshaya Patra, Sponsors Meals For 1,447 Children

2008-06-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2008 ( PowerHomeBiz ) - Bangalore -- Centum Electronics Limited, leading designer and manufacturer of hi-tech electronic subsystems, modules and components, has pledged support to Akshaya Patra, the world’s largest school meal program which currently feeds over 8.05 lakh children across the country every day. Under this pledge, the company will sponsor the mid-day meals for 1,447 kids in seven government schools, for the next three years. The total cost for this noble deed will be Rs 17.5 lakh every year and the cumulative expenditure will be Rs 52 lakh.
The public-private enterprise of Akshaya Patra which runs this mammoth school meal program is aided by central and state governments and private corporations. Commenting on the addition of one of major corporate sponsor to its growing list of stakeholders, Shri Madhu Pandita Das said, “To continue to feed the 8.5 lakh children everyday and also to reach its goal of feeding over a million children everyday by 2010, the foundation is very much dependent upon corporate participation in a big way. We are very grateful to Centum Electronics and to Mr. Apparao Maliavarapu, founder and managing director of Centum Electronics, for having been magnanimous in lending a hand to our efforts,”
“We are happy to support Akshaya Patra which is doing noble work for the welfare of the state and the people. Ours is a small gesture which we hope will prompt many others to do the same. It is important for India to fight illiteracy and hunger as we cannot call ourselves developed unless we can feed and educate all our children,” said Mr Apparao Maliavarapu, who is himself hold a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Dal Tech University in Canada was also a Ford Foundation scholar. He has played a instrumental role in taking his company to the forefront and is today recognised as a leading authority in the industry.
Featured in the 500 most valuable companies in India recently, Centum Electronics Limited Centum is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of electronics products. The organisation is a vertically integrated company with capabilities in design, engineering and manufacturing. The company designs and manufactures products for telecommunications, automotive, industrial and defense and aerospace markets. Centum has received many quality and export awards from major industry bodies and the state and central governments.

MORE ABOUT AKSHAYA PATRA

Unlimited Food for Education.
(NATIONAL LEVEL SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMME)
According to a UNESCO report, around 13.5 million children in the age group of 6-13 years are out of school in India. Despite the trillion-dollar economic growth, a large chunk of India’s younger generation, does not have access to schools because of poverty and malnutrition.
To facilitate the education of needy children, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, provides unlimited noon meals in schools in partnership with the Central and respective state governments of India. Currently the program is feeding 8,38,000 children in over 4,500 government, government aided schools and anganwadis (day care centers) in 13 locations across India on any given day.
They are Bangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Bellary, Mangalore and Mysore in Karnataka, Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh, Jaipur, Nathdwara and Baran in Rajasthan, Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat and Puri in Orissa. This is the largest NGO run school meal program in the world.

What makes Akshaya Patra unique?

* The Akshaya Patra program uses centralized, automated kitchens for cooking food which is then distributed to schools through special purpose vehicles.
* Akshaya Patra’s kitchens can cook about 100,000 meals in less than five hours with least human intervention and sustained quality.
* A three item menu is served to children as per the recommendations of qualified nutritionists.
* Due to extensive mechanization of the kitchen, the program is able to offer children standardized, high quality, hygienic meals.
* The program also offers education and health interventions for holistic child development.
* Akshaya Patra is a secular, not-for-profit program implemented only in government schools where there is no discrimination whatsoever.
* The program is independently governed by a Board of Trustees & audited by KPMG.
* A study in the year 2006 by AC Nielsen Org Marg Pvt Ltd, has vouchsafed for the efficacy of the program in increasing attendance and enrolment in schools, improving nutritional status of these children, enhancing their learning abilities and reducing drop out rates.
* Akshaya Patra program is run with part subsidies from the government, besides financial support from corporates and individual philanthropists.
* All contributions to The Akshaya Patra Foundation are eligible for 100% tax deduction under section 35AC/80GGA(bb) of the Income Tax Act 1961 in India.
* With a vision to ensure that no child in India is deprived of education because of hunger, the Akshaya Patra Foundation is striving to end hunger and create a human resources pool that will propel India into the league of developed nations.

Yeddyurappa kicks off Gulbarga airport work

2008-06-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Gulbarga June 15: Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa pitched the development flag in the long-neglected Congress fief of Gulbarga by kicking off the airport work at Srinivas Saradgi village, near here, on Saturday.
Buffeted by a string of early blues, Yeddyurappa sought to turn over a new leaf with his Gulbarga assignment.
The CM said the work on the airport, taken up as public-private initiative, would begin inside of five days and hoped it would be completed in 24 months.
He recalled the extensive airport spadework done by former chief minister N Dharam Singh and KPCC president Mallikarjun M Kharge.
The CM hoped the airport, once functional, would attract major industries, creating job opportunities for the locals.
Work on Shimoga and Hassan airports, too, will begin soon. Also, the government has proposed to build an airport in Bijapur on the Gulbarga model.
He said Hubli, Mangalore and Belgaum airports, which are plagued by capacity constraints, will be expanded to meet the increasing air traffic.
The CM said the Indian Air Force has given permission for using its base in Karwar, Mysore and Bidar for civil aviation. Yeddyurappa held the Airports Authority of India responsible for the Bidar airport terminal construction delay.
Finance ministers to meet
The Union government has convened a meeting of finance ministers of all states on June 16 in New Delhi to discuss various issues, including ways to reduce price of petroleum products, said Yeddyurappa.
He said home minister V S Acharya will participate on his behalf. He said the state will decide on price rise soon.

State Clears Land for 45 SEZs, Including Mangalore

2008-06-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

TNN
Bangalore, Jun 14: The state government formally approved more than 2,400 hectres of land for setting up 45 special economic zones (SEZs) in Karnataka expected to bring in total investment of over Rs 24,000 crore.
The approved SEZs include 33 IT/ITeS companies with investment worth over Rs 18,000 crore. On Friday, major and medium industries minister Murgesh R Nirani said the approved SEZs could generate 10 lakh jobs in the next few years.
Nirani, who owns two cement units and a sugar factory in Bagalkot district, said: “As an industrialist, I am aware of investors’ problems. This government wants to create an investor-friendly climate in the state.’’
Investment to the tune of Rs 3,384 crore and earmarking 112 hectres exclusively for airport-based SEZ has been formally approved. Sector-specific product SEZs contribute Rs 1,824 crore and hardware and BT SEZs Rs 633 crore and Rs 750 crore respectively.
The Centre, which gives in-principle approvals for all SEZs in the country, has given its nod to only 8 SEZs in Karnataka having total investments of Rs 20,220 crore, including Rs 400 crore from the IT/ITeS sectors.
Nirani said the government, without going in for acquisition of fertile land, will seek the consent of the farmers before developing a SEZ. “Of the developed land, about 20% will be given to farmers, besides employment to one member from the family,’’ he said.
Proposed seven exclusive industrial zones
Steel zone — Bellary, Koppal, Raichur district
Cement zone — Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bijapur
Food processing zone — Shimoga, Mysore, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Kolar, Bangalore Rural
IT/ BT zone — Mangalore, Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum
Automobile zone — Dharwad and Bangalore
Readymade garment zone — Bangalore, Bellary and Mysore
Petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals complex — Mangalore and Udupi

In-principle nod for Nandagudi

Major and medium industries minister Murgesh R Nirani said that the government has given in principle approval for the Nandagudi SEZ, but its promoters have to acquire land.
Keeping regional interests in mind and also to focus on the rapid development of backward areas, Nirani said the government proposed setting up of seven exclusive industrial zones to promote industries in steel, cement, food processing, IT/BT, petrochemicals, automobile and readymade garments.

Chennai-Bangalore-Mumbai corridor

Nirani said the Centre has taken up a feasibility study on the multi-crore Chennai-Bangalore-Mumbai (CBM) industrial corridor. The proposed CBM corridor, on the lines of Chennai-Bangalore corridor, will establish connectivity from Bangalore to Belgaum covering 11 districts and 20 towns. “To make Karnataka a leading industrialized state and to enhance the level of investments, we propose to develop industries along 100-150 kms on both sides of the corridor,’’ Nirani said.
In a meeting convened by department of industries policy and promotion (DIPP) in the Union ministry of commerce and industries involving Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments for consultation on Chennai-Bangalore corridor proposal a few months ago, the Centre gave positive signals for the state’s move to connect and extend the Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor till Mumbai. This could pave the way for conducting a feasibility report on
CBM corridor.

New industrial policy

In a move to boost industrial development, the industries minister proposes to modify the existing industrial policy. “The government wants to bring in more investment to the state through unveiling a new industrial policy in the next three months,’’ Nirani said. He said modifications would be carried out to the existing policy of 2006-11. Industrial policies of Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan would be studied before framing the new policy, Nirani added.

State to revitalise IT, BT policy

2008-06-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Bangalore June 11, 2008, 2:56 IST

The Karnataka government, which had drawn flak from the IT/BT captains for the tardy reponse to the problems nagging the industry, on Tuesday announced plans to revise the IT/BT policies. Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy and Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw are likely to be roped in by the government to accomplish the task.

State's new IT/BT minister Katta Subramanya Naidu, who convened a meeting of officials here, favoured rejigging the existing policies in order to aid the ITT industry scale up the growth trajectory.

"Develop a fast track mechanism to expedite clearance of IT/BT and other science and technology projects. Ensure that all project proposals are cleared within 30 days as that would attract and sustain the interest of investors in these projects," Naidu directed the officials.
While favouring involvement of major industry players in policy formulation, Naidu also told officials to take inputs from the Vision Groups on IT and BT that were headed by Murthy and Ms Shaw respectively.

Naidu's move has rekindled hope in the industry, which had grown tired of the previous coalition governments where political parties spent more time trading barbs than focusing on issues pertaining to infrastructure development.

The industry players had favoured a single-party rule in Karnataka hoping that it would make decision-making easy and faster. Responding to the industry's expectations, Naidu said Keonics, the state undertaking which was instrumental in the creation of Electronics City in Bangalore, would be made the nodal agency for development of IT/BT and science and technology infrastructure.

The government assured the semiconductor industry that it would give thrust to promoting the manufacture of photo-voltaic cells and solar panels for energy conservation and efficiency.
Taking note of the findings of the latest Nasscom-A T Kearney report on 50 leading locations for IT-BPO industry in the country, Naidu suggested officials to chalk out strategies to develop Mangalore, Mysore and Hubli-Dharwad as BPO hubs. The tier two and tier three cities should be made attractive for IT investments, Naidu said while favouring development of a rural BPO policy.

The minister said he would hold a meeting with top IT/BT players to address infrastructure-related issues confronting the tier two and tier three cities.

With regard to Bangalore, Naidu said special emphasis will be given for electronic hardware manufacturing. Areas in the north-east and north-west of Bangalore have been identified IT/BT development along with that of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Planning Area (BMICPA).

On the science and technology front, Naidu said a vision group would be set up under the chairmanship of C N R Rao, chairman of the scientific advisory council to the Prime Minister.

People's Agenda for Hubli-Dharwad

2008-06-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and fellow H-D / NK citizens,

Almost every time a discussion that begins with the under development and negligence of H-D and NK ends in a no result. I am sure, everyone realises the futility of armchair criticism and mere Internet Activism. However, the only exceptions to the non-aggressive complaints have probably been the struggles to establish the High Court Benches and the making of Hubballi as the HQ of SW Rly. In fact these struggles show us the way forward now.

In the recent election people of the region as also other parts of the state have elected their representatives with great hopes of development. However, within few days of the formation of the government, we see PEOPLE REALIZING THAT THEY MAY HAVE WELL BEEN SHORTCHANGED YET ANOTHER TIME. People apprehend, and justifiably so, that the parties and the politicians, primarily responsible for development, might have well taken them for a ride.

MERE MAILING AND BEGGING WILL NOT WORK. WE, THE CITIZENS have to come together and STAND AS SOLID ROCK until the demands of development of out city and the region are met. I have been discussing this thing with some prominent and active citizens of H-D over the past few days. Mr. Sunilâ€™s mail calling for a meeting of citizens is a part of this effort.

I am grateful to Sunil ji for pitching in early with his efforts.

Herewith I announce the beginning of an organised struggle by the concerned citizens of Hubballi-Dharwad for the development of their city and the entire North Karnataka region. This is the People's Agenda for Hubballi-Dharwad (PAHD).

We propose to use THIS DOCUMENT AS OUR UNCOMPROMISING DEMAND FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF H-D and NK. What I am envisioning is a non-partisan People's Movement to press the new government as well as all governments to come to develop H-D and N-K. This will be quite a long and committed struggle. People's Agenda for Hubballi-Dharwad will be the Action oriented forum of all concerned citizens to bargain with the powers that be for a higher standard of quality of life in H-D and N-K.

PAHD is an initiative of Rashtrotthan Sankalp (http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/) in association with the people of H-D and NK to persistently pressurize all the powers state government, politicians, state government, and bureaucracy --- to give Hubballi-Dharwad and North Karnataka its due. WE DO NOT GO WITH A BEGGING BOWL. WE ASSERT OUR RIGHT TO HAVE EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT with other parts of the state. Letâ€™s be very clear at the outset that our struggle is not against the south, but it is for the things that the north too deserves as an indivisible part of KARNATAKA.

The outline of the People's Agenda for Hubballi-Dharwad is uploaded to the files section of HubliCity Yahoo group (@ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HubliCity/files/PAHD/) and is also attached and inlined at the end of this mail. This movement is not limited to HubliCity yahoogroup members and is in essence a struggle of all the people of H-D and NK.

As a first step to come together and discuss future course of action, the meeting is being called. I request every one of you interested truly in the development of Hubballi-Dharwad and North Karnataka to participate in the meeting and future activities. Post meeting, the future probable course would be activities like signature campaign and writing letters to the CM, Governor, Top Bureaucrats, Party Chiefs, MLAs, the central government, HDMC corporators, making clear our intentions and determination. We also have plans to hold a massive Peopleâ€™s March to show our solidarity for the People's Agenda.

No movement is a movement without people. So, may I request your whole hearted participation by being present at the meeting with your friends, contacts and relatives and volunteer to do one or the other activity in organising these events. We need committed, spirited and resourceful volunteers / people for making this real people's movement. Write back to the yahoogroup or to http://us.f545.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=spnargund@yahoo.com / http://us.f545.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=info.rastr@gmail.com or call +91-9916135836 expressing your support and volunteer to make this peopleâ€™s movement a thundering success!

Suggestions welcome. But request you to be short and reasonable. Letâ€™s show our (People's) power on ground...

In solidarity and anticipation,

Santosh P. Nargund Rashtrotthan Sankalp
"Evil triumphs when good people sit quiet!"
Cell: +91-9916135836
http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/
People's Agenda for Hubballiâ€‘Dharwad (PAHD)
A Draft Outline
(Applicable to Hubballi-Dharwad & North Karnataka.)
Basic Public Amenities
1. Lasting solution to the perennial Waterâ€‘supply problem to the twin cities of Hubballi - Dharwad (H-D).
2. Development of 10 Vegetable Markets in a systematic way for orderly and hygienic sale of Vegetables, fruits and other Food articles in different parts of H-D twin cities and other cities and towns of N-K.
3. Construction of Public Toilets and Sanitation facilities in a conveniently accessible manner in different parts of H-D.
4. Introduction and strict enforcement of rainwater harvesting in twin cites for conservation of water and to counter scarcity.
Industry & Commerce
5. Development of Industrial Parks / SEZs for IT / BT / ITES / Other Heavy, Medium & Small Scale industries around Hubballi-Dharwad and creating friendly environment for setting up of these industries. These are required in other parts of NK, as well.
6. Development of 2-3 Agro-processing Industry Hub / Parks around H-D and another important city in NK.
7. Development of a Pharmaceutical Hub near HD by developing a Pharma Park and creating a friendly environment for setting up of the Pharma industries.
Administration
8. Setting up one Regional Office of the Karnataka Information Commission (under the Right to Information Act, 2005) each in Hubli and Bidar / Gulburga with 1 or 2 Information Commissioners to cater to the needs of citizens in N-W and N-E Karnataka.
Education
9. Establishment of an IIM in NK.
10. Establishment of an IIT at Dharwad.
11. Establishment of a Model University for Teaching, Research and Development of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy) health sciences in the western ghats of NK (in Karwar / Dandeli).
Transport
12. Improvement and widening of city roads and concretization wherever possible and feasible.
13. Median-separated 4/6 lane highway / expressway between H-D.
14. Development of a smooth Signal-Regulated Traffic Control in the Twin Cities and other major cities of NK.
15. Master plan for Construction of Ring-Roads around H-D for implementation in a phased manner in the next 10 years.
16. Pressing the Central government / Railway ministry for implementation of a Highâ€‘Speed Rail Corridor between Hubballi & Bengalooru, and Hubballi & Pune, extendable to Chennai and Mumbai on either sides. State government can work as partner in these projects by providing finances, if required.
17. Pressing the Union government / Railway Ministry for convenient and speedy trains between Hubballi and Pune / Mumbai.
18. Pressing the Union government / Railway Ministry for restoring and improving the Hubballi - Sholapur rail line via Gadag and Bijapur for speedy rail connectivity. State government can work as partner in these projects by providing finances, if required.
19. Development of Hubballi â€“ Ankola Rail Line on a fast track. State government can work as partner in these projects by providing finances, if required.
20. Master plan for development of a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) or a â€˜Metroâ€™ Rail around H-D for implementation in phases in the next 10 years. This should be extendable to connect neighbouring towns like Nargund, Gadag & Kundgol in future.
Culture & Tourism
21. State level Model University for Teaching, Research and Development of Indian Music (Hindustani, Karnatak, Folk, etc.) at Dharwad / Gadag / Haveri.
22. Developing H-D as a Tourism Hub of N-K with facilities to access all places of tourist importance â€” historic, natural beauty, religious, etc.
Environment & Recreation
23. Improvement and Development of existing Lakes and Parks in H-D to the highest standards.
24. Improving Green Cover in the twin cities. Provision for development of a circular Green Belt around.
25. Development of Recreation / Amusement / Theme Park(s) (on the lines of Disneyland, etc.) around H-D / Belgaum. Another one to be developed in NE Karnataka near Hampi / Bijapur / Raichur.
26. Development of an Ecological Park to act as a forest reserve, animal and bird sanctuary and a recreation spot for the H-D and the N-K region.
Sports
27. Development of 4 to 5 public playgrounds each in Hubballi and Dharwad.
28. Development of world-class Indoor and Outdoor Stadiums in H-D with facilities for encouragement and cultivation of all sports like Tennis, Boxing, Soccer, etc.

Website: http://rastrindia.googlepages.com/activities24

Now, homes with helipads!

2008-06-07T21:35:00.000-07:00

EsVee Group plans ‘exclusive townships’ with their own landing pads, to enable the high-flying elite to fly past traffic snarls.

Virendra Pandit

Now, a dozen townships in India with their own helipads!

Amid the booming realty, the reality of traffic snarls, even at airports, will no longer bother the high-flying elite of India Inc. For, the new townships being planned in more than a dozen Tier II and III cities will offer helipads. Business honchos will have to come with their own choppers, of course. The Ahmedabad-based EsVee Group, promoted by Mr Vijay Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of the Rs 1,300-crore Gujarat Ambuja Exports Ltd (GAEL), plans to invest nearly Rs 2,000 crore in the next five years to develop such exclusive townships across India. “All these townships will be identical, with the same designs, and developed by the same architect and planner, the Singapore-based Jurong International,” Mr Gupta told Business Line in Ahmedabad.

The first township off the block will be at Mysore, famed for its annual Dussehra pageant.

Currently, the company offers plots varying from 2,400 to 10,000 sq.ft and will soon make available flats and villas. It will have all amenities pre-laid and in place — roads, water, electricity and broadband connection, among others. The Rs 180-crore project is scheduled to be completed by 2010.

It has an interesting location — a 60-acre plot on a hillock overlooking the airport and with a view of the famous Chamundeshwari Temple on a nearby hillock. The township, ‘Highlands’, will offer 250 residential flats of three to five bedrooms with a price-tag of Rs 60 to 90 lakh, and 150 villas — all fully furnished and air-conditioned. Highlands is the first infrastructure development project undertaken by the EsVee Group. Its joint promoter is the Bangalore-based Ishya Group.

Apart from its own helipad, Highlands will offer its residents a spa, multiple swimming pools, coffee shops and health club-cum-fitness centre. It will also have controlled access, library, mini-theatre, Jacuzzi and sauna, an amphitheatre, a club — and an artificial lake.

Similar townships are being planned for Siliguri, Agra, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Hubli, Cochin, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Nashik, Pune, Vadodara and Rajkot. With an initial outlay of Rs 2,000 crore, the company — Esveegee Realty Gujarat Pvt Ltd — will invest around Rs 160-170 crore on an average on each township.

The Mysore project will cost Rs 180 crore, including about Rs 40 crore from private equity for which talks are in progress, according to Mr Gupta. Jurong International has designed over 1,000 projects of township and real-estate in 37 countries.

Belgaum foundry cluster to start in August 2008

2008-06-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

BS reported that Belgaum will soon have a foundry cluster as the work on the Belgaum Foundry Cluster is nearing completion and is expected to be operational in August 2008. The project started three years ago at an investment of close to INR 25 crore.
The project once completed will benefit 135 foundries and over 1,000 machine shops in and around Belgaum and hundreds of other units in the neighboring towns of Hubli Dharwad, Shimoga, Harihar and even Kolhapur and Shinoli in Maharashtra.
Mr Manoj Kulkarni CEO of Belgaum Foundry Cluster said that foundry units at BFC are expected to produce 160,000 tonnes of castings during the present fiscal, a growth of 60% over 2007-08 and generate a combined revenue in excess of INR 700 crore per annum, a growth of 75%. The exports are expected to touch INR 350 crore per annum, a growth of 700%. It is likely to generate employment to 12,000 persons.
Mr Kulkarni said that the cluster will also have modern software for 3D modeling, simulation and ERP for foundries will be made available to foundries. The foundry cluster will not only help improve the quality standards of material produced here but also protect ecological balance and conserve natural resources apart from growing exports. He added that "Our vision is to make Belgaum Foundry industry a global sourcing hub for castings and machined components by the year 2010. Despite slowdown in manufacturing sector and rising prices of steel and metal scrap we anticipate foundry units will register a healthy growth of 15% to 20% during the current financial year.
"Foundry units in and around Belgaum are serving the automobile industry, general engineering and agriculture sectors. Automobile majors like Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, Ashok Leyland, TAFE, Caterpillar and engineering companies like Kiroskar Oil Engines Limited, Alfa Laval and Simpsons are some of the companies sourcing castings from Belgaum. The Belgaum foundries also export to countries like the US, Germany, Belgium and West Asia.

IBMR plans to set up foreign campuses

2008-05-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

After setting up three campuses in India, Institute of Business Management & Research(IBMR) is now planning to go global. The education group is in the initial stages of planning to set up campuses in countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai. It is also looking at expanding its domestic network.
Currently, IBMR's campuses are situated in Bangalore, Hubli and Ahmedabad where it offers graduate and post graduate level programmes in management, business administration, computer application and mass communication. IBMR is now looking at new campuses in cities including Kolkata, Delhi/Noida, Indore/Nagpur/Jaipur among others. The university is trying to cover the western, northern and eastern parts of the country.
Around 2,200 students have graduated from IBMR and close to 2,000 students are studying at the three campuses. In order to bring more international exposure to its students, the institute has decided to launch a dual-degree programme with the University of Stirling, Scotland. The participating students would study for one year at the local IBMR campus and at Scotland for the second year.
They would be eligible for an MBA degree from IBMR as well as an international MBA degree from University of Stirling, Scotland, said C Manohar, executive director and dean IBMR, Bangalore. The fees for the dual-degree programme would be approximately 10,000 pounds.
Upon completion of the course in Stirling, the students would be eligible for a two-year visa to live and work under ‘Fresh Talent Initiative'. Stuart Shorthouse, International Development Officer of the Stirling University said," With the ageing population issues in UK, we need to import manpower from a highly talented country like India. India has very focused young talent and quality education.We hope to foster faculty and student exchange and flexible learning. It is a two-way benefit."
Seeing a number of students interested in entrepreneurship, the institute is planning to set up a business incubator to encourage and fine-tune business plans of its students. At its Ahmedabad campus, the first batch had an intake of 170 which will be ramped upto 245 for the second batch to commence soon, said R K Balyan, dean of IBMR Ahmedabad.

Local reactions - Santosh Huralikoppi responds

2008-05-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

This is the response from Mr.Santosh Huralikoppi, CEO of NS Infotech, supporting the need to realize SEZ for Hubli-Dharwad region.

Thanks.

Best regards,
Nagesh Tavarageri

------

Hello,

I understand what Nagesh is trying to say in the Blog but I think we will have to do something different tochange the IT/BPO situation in the Hubli-Dharwar region.

I was very much part of Destination Hubli conducted onMay 20, 2006 and we are 2 years past and with little action.

We can work on a multi pronged strategies and I urge people to comment and add / delete to these:

* Make the presence felt for the investors.Hubli-Dharwar is not really on the Radar of investorswhen it comes to IT/BPO investments. I did workclosely with Nasscom for their current report alongwith AT Kearney and it is good to see some home forthe region (report attached for reference). We canpass these reports to the decision makers. I havealready forwarded these to TCS and IBM.

* Instead of waiting for the Govt. to act, likeminded people can join hands and make an SEZ. It couldbe TWIN CITY SEZ LTD. This is the model, whichMangalore has done and has been fairly successful(Mangalore SEZ Ltd). This will be Public LimitedCompany and people interested will invest and holdshares to the extent of investment. Ideally we canlook at about 100 acres of SEZ to be developed andapproximate initial investment would be around Rs. 30crores till the sanction of SEZ. Upon the SEZapproval, we can do a joint venture with large realestate developers (may be on a 50:50 basis).

* I urge the people from North Karnataka and workingin the IT/BPO space to start operations in Hubli (forwhich an incubation facility can be providedimmediately). Alternatively, people working in largecorporations can influence the management on investingin Hubli-Dharwar region.

I am game for it and ready to take the lead....

Regards,
Santosh Huralikoppi
CEO NSI (http://www.nsinfotech.com/)

Demanding Tata SEZ realization

2008-05-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Governments come and go, years pass by, IT Investors Meets fade into history, leaving the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad to live only on aspirations of becoming an IT destination.

* McKinsey report submitted to erstwhile govt several years ago, had highlighted Hubli-Dharwad as one of the IT Destination.

* The successive Secretaries of Dept of IT&BT, talked extensively of bringing IT developments to the twin cities, but as has been realized it was all namesakes. Some of them supposedly even lied of two IT Majors expressing interest in Hubli-Dharwad, for which the Dept said they have no supporting information to answer on an RTI application response (refer to http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2008/04/gok-responds-to-rti-application.html)

* Elected representatives promised IT developments and feathered aspirations in the minds of public, only to shun away from such promises. (refer to http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2006/02/it-scenario-in-hubli-response-from-cm.html)

* SEZs (Special Economic Zones) grow at a mushrooming pace at select IT destinations within the state of Karnataka and not even a single SEZ takes a practical shape in Hubli-Dharwad. Govt clears a Rs.120 crore SEZ for TCS Ltd, but the current fate of this SEZ is hanging in the balance. (refer to: http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2006/08/sez-for-hubli-dharwad-jaykay-cements.html,
http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2007/08/sez-for-hubli-dharwad-governments.html)

* Even when IBM and TCS express interest to invest in Hubli-Dharwad, after the IT Investors Meet in May 2006, the response by the government to give adequate support structure, throws the light on the lack of interest by the government for such IT initiatives into Hubli-Dharwad. (refer to the Govt's response to the RTI application - http://nageeta.blogspot.com/2008/04/gok-responds-to-rti-application.html)

* As of yesterday's report by Nasscom - Kearney study, Hubli-Dharwad is one of the top 50 cities within the nation to become next IT destination!

Hereby I putforth my staunch resentment to the government of Karnataka and it's bureaucratic administration, for being a failure to support and initiate IT developments in Hubli-Dharwad, by launching "once a week hunger strike" (on every Tuesday of the week) - until the approved TCS Ltd's SEZ takes a practical shape in Hubli-Dharwad. I urge all of the interested IT professionals / educated professional from the region to support this initiative, by token participations, depending upon their capabilities. Let us show our resolve to realize our dreams of making Hubli-Dharwad into an IT Destination for sure. Remember that every successful long journey begins with a small first step!

We belong to the nation of Swami Vivekananada's echoeing preachings - "Arise, awake, stop not till the goal is reached". We have been living long enough on dreams, let us start taking measures to realize them, for once.

Thanks.

Best regards,
Nagesh Tavarageri

Nasscom-Kearney study on IT-BPO industry identifies small cities with big potential

2008-05-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

Nasscom or National Association of Software and Services Companies, the consortium that serves as the apex body of the Indian IT software and BPO industry, together with global management consulting firm AT Kearney has released a comprehensive assessment report of 50 locations in India suitable for the IT - BPO industry titled 'Location Roadmap For IT- BPO Growth: Assessment Of 50 Leading Cities.'

The report analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of these 50 locations and sets a stage for the growth of the IT-BPO industry beyond the top seven "leader" cities viz. Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and NCR (National Capital Region).
According to the joint report, at least 15 Tier II cities can comfortably "challenge" the leaders while both Tier II and Tier III cities can function as operational hubs for the software companies.

Some of the upcoming cities are Ahmedabad, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Nagpur, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Tiruchirapalli and Visakhapatnam, it said.

The third category or the "followers" comprise of 12 cities including Bhopal, Goa, Kanpur, Aurangabad, Gwalior, Hubli-Dharwad, Nasik, Mysore and Surat. The fourth or the final category is the "aspirant" locations. These are cities where individual companies have already set up offices and more companies are expected to follow, for example Allahabad, Dehradun, Durgapur, Gangtok, Guwahati, Ludhiana, Patna and Raipur. However, to attract investments they need to develop further, the report said.

Overall, the success of all these cities will depend upon "the speed and commitment with which the local city and state governments will work to fill up the gaps identified." For instance, the local governments can support the development of these areas by extension of similar tax benefits that are given to the Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs) and the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

"Decongestion of growth at a macro level and enhancing the level of attractiveness at a location level will require each IT and BPO industry stakeholder to play a proactive role in creating the ecosystem for the sector," the report said.

"These include developing the right vision for the IT and BPO sector development at a location, aggressive focus on enhancing the quantity of talent pool available at a location and addressing issues related to talent suitability, enhancing awareness of international and domestic BPO careers amongst stakeholders, and improvement and development of physical infrastructure and urban environment," it added.

"The Indian IT- BPO sector has been a frontrunner of economic development in select cities. We now see the time as being right to spread this development to a new set of locations, provided the requirements of the industry can be met," Nasscom chairman Ganesh Natarajan said.
"The development of only a few select set of cities has put severe pressure on the infrastructure, costs and also increased migration of resources," said Som Mittal, president, Nasscom.

With the IT-BPO industry maturing, it has become imperative to expand the geographical spread of IT-BPO growth to enable more balanced economic development of the country, lower migration across cities and reduce the burden on the stretched infrastructure in the current hubs, he added.

While big cities will continue to be the preferred destinations for setting up IT-BPO companies, the Tier II cities will have the potential to account for at least 40 percent of the total projected IT-BPO jobs by 2018 provided there is a balanced growth, the report said.

Presently, the top seven cities account for over 85 percent of IT sector employment and over 90 percent of the BPO employment in the country, it said.

The report is expected to benefit regional governments, as they will be able to plan and develop the regions and attract investment in the future.

All the locations were analyzed on the following parameters: talent pool available, infrastructure, social environment, business enablers, government support and cost of operations.

India's $64 billion IT-BPO industry employing 2 million people, accounts for 5.4 percent of India's gross domestic product (GDP). The industry, which grew in the mid-1990s and helped the nation's economy surge to an annual growth rate of nine percent, is expected to increase its workforce to 8 million by 2018.

Smaller cities may capture 2-3 m IT/BPO jobs by 2018

2008-05-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

Location roadmap: (From left) Mr Som Mittal, President, Nasscom; Dr Ganesh Natarajan, Chairman, Nasscom; and Mr Saurine Doshi, Partner, A.T. Kearney, during the release of Nasscom-A.T. Kearney study on ‘Location roadmap for IT-BPO growth’ in the Capital on Monday

Nasscom-A.T. Kearney study looks beyond the seven leaders
— Kamal Narang

New Delhi, May 5 The smaller cities or ‘non leader cities’ could end up capturing 2-3 million IT and BPO jobs by 2018, if Government and industry take concrete measures for balanced growth, entailing development of infrastructure, improving curriculum in line with industry needs, and ensuring human resources development.
According to a study released on Monday by Nasscom and A.T. Kearney, the current growth is focused on the seven leading cities (Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, National Capital Region (NCR) and Pune) which together account for 85 per cent of the IT sector employment and over 90 per cent of the BPO employment in the country. Absorbing growth
Apart from employment, these cities have realised significant gains in terms of improved visibility, consumption-led economic growth and improvement in social infrastructure.
“We believe that over the next decade, share of the sectoral employment in the top seven locations will decline to around 60-75 per cent with the total direct employment in these locations growing to 5-6 million. Absorbing this growth will pose a significant challenge to the physical and social infrastructure in these locations. At the same time, other locations have an opportunity to capture 2-3 million direct IT-BPO jobs — this is more than the total current employment in the sector,” Mr Som Mittal, President of Nasscom, said.Four categories
The analysis indicates that based on stages of development, the locations can be categorised into four groups — leaders, challengers, followers and aspirants.
While ‘challengers’ includes cities such as Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi and Lucknow, the ‘followers’ includes locations such as Aurangabad, Bhopal, Goa, Gwalior, Hubli-Dharwad, Kanpur, Mysore, and Nashik.
The ‘aspirant’ category includes Allahabad, Dehradun, Durgapur, Gangtok, Guwahati, Ludhiana, Patna and Raipur.Developing vision
“Decongestion of growth at a macro level and enhancing the level of attractiveness at a location level will require each IT and BPO industry stakeholder to play a proactive role in creating the ecosystem for the sector.
These include developing the right vision for the IT and BPO sector development at a location, aggressive focus on enhancing the quantity of talent pool available at a location and addressing issues related to talent suitability, enhancing awareness of international and domestic BPO careers amongst stakeholders, and improvement and development of physical infrastructure and urban environment,” the report added.

Neilsoft to go slow on Chinese venture

2008-05-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

Engineering and technology consultants, Neilsoft has decided to slow down their operations in China for the next two years and instead concentrate on the profit margins.
The move, which comes in the wake of the company not meeting its expectations would now also see Neilsoft not expanding further in China. “About two years ago, we opened engineering units and process centres at Hubli and at Dalian in China, but we have not been able to meet the expectations and the goals set and both the projects did not yield much results,” said Ketan Bakshi, chairman and managing director of Neilsoft.
More India business stories
The entire process has also resulted in reducing the company’s net profit by 23%. The annual financial results of the company were declared recently. But the hiccups notwithstanding, profits crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at Neilsoft in the last financial year thereby resulting in a annual revenue growth of 53 %. A specialist in engineering and architectural consultancy, Neilsoft has operations majorly in Europe, North America and the APEC countries.
The weakened dollar, rising wages and negative earnings from their entry into the Indian market and the recurring non success in their twin initiatives at Hubli and China were sighted as reasons for their negative earnings growth.
The company is also aiming at raising their revenue earnings in India to 400 crores by 2012-13. “We are projecting a 34% revenue growth for the next financial year. Our earnings are also expected to grow by 50% in the FY 2008- 09. We want to grow in the next FY but at a pace wherein our profits and returns are protected. Our focus this year would also be on streamlining operations and improving capacity utilisation, “ added Bakshi.
More India business stories
During the last fiscal, the company added two senior members to its management. Sanjiv Bhargava joined Neilsoft as vice president and head of the software engineering services group and Sachin Sahastrabuddhe has joined the company as head of the industrial projects.

Kotak Realty to float Rs 200-cr JV with DRS

2008-04-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Kotak Realty Fund is looking to invest close to Rs 200 crore in setting up a joint venture (JV) company with the DRS Group, a third-party logistics (3PL) company based out of New Delhi. The new entity, DRS Warehousing (South), will build and operate almost six warehouses in the southern region of India. “This is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that we have formed for warehouse construction and management,” said a senior DRS Group official requesting anonymity.

The DRS Group is expected to have a 25% stake in the JV, while Kotak Realty Fund will hold the majority. According to sources close to the development, each warehouse will more than 2,00,000 sq feet and four warehouses will be completed before December, 2008.

“We have shortlisted a few places such as Hosur, Hyderabad, Jalagaon and Hubli where the warehouses will come up while the process of land identification for the other two warehouses is on,” added the official.

In 2007, Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Private Equity Group had invested almost Rs 100 crore ($22.5 million) in the DRS group. The second investment is significant and comes at a time when both investors and 3PL companies are investing heavily in warehousing and logistics segment. PE players have invested close to $90 million in the sector till date.

Earlier this year, the DRS Group had entered into another JV with Merrill Lynch to build eight warehouses in North India. Merrill Lynch, the majority stake holder, had invested close to Rs 300 crore in the JV. The DRS Group has already begun construction of warehouses at Jaipur, Delhi, Nashik and Ambala.

By 2008, 3PL service providers such as TNT, Transport Corporation of India (TCI), Blue Dart, Gati and Safexpress, are looking to create more than 25 million sq ft of warehousing space in India. Analysts believe that the segment alone will see investments of almost Rs 2,000 crore in the next three years.

With the phasing out of Central Sales Tax (CST), manufacturers need not manage their own warehouses and can comfortably outsource it to a third party. Earlier, in order to prevent being taxed under CST, manufacturers had to maintain multiple warehouses to show movement of goods from one company warehouse to another. Today, they are more than willing to outsource it to a warehouse management company and concentrate on their core business.

On the supply front, 3PL service providers are more than willing to invest in warehouses because of substantially higher margins in warehousing than any other segment of supply chain management.

Transportation of goods, across road, rail, air or sea, for instance, has profit margins at best not more than 20%. However, warehouses offer net margins on EBITA around 35% to 40%.

Help a Kannadiga, please.

2008-04-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Kannadigas,One of our fellow Kannadiga, Anand Gubbi is facing a Life or Death situation. We call upon the community to help his wife Deepthi get back her husband and his 10 month old daughter get back her father.

Anand Gubbi has been working at a major Bay Area software company for over 3 years as an IT Operations manager. He has also been studying Business Administration at CSU in the East Bay . Anand and his wife Deepthi have been happily married for over 8 years and have a beautiful 10-month old daughter.

On the morning of February 23, 2008, their lives changed forever.That morning Anand suddenly developed difficulty in breathing. An ambulance was called in but he suffered a respiratory and cardiac arrest in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. CPR initiated by the paramedics failed and he arrived at the ER with significant damage to the brain due to lack of oxygen for an extended period of time. His condition was declared as SEVERE ANOXIC BRAIN INJURY.

Anand has been lying in a coma since then. Doctors at the hospital have predicted that he will remain in a persistent vegetative state.However, Anand's family has not given up hope. His 10-month old daughter and wife are anxiously waiting for him to return to them. They have researched a potential treatment called "HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBO)" that has proven beneficial for patients with brain injury. Patients subjected to the modality of HBO therapy have shown favorable results. However, very few designated and accredited centers in the United States of America are providing HBO therapy. The insurance companies also do not bear the cost of the treatment.

This treatment is the last ray of hope to bring Anand back to life. The only immediately available treatment facility is in Florida where Anand needs to be moved immediately, using Air-Ambulance. The treatment and logistics expenses are estimated to run into A FEW HUNDRED OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS (current estimate is in the range of $200k-$250k) including expenses for recurring follow-up treatments. His family and friends have pooled in their savings to take him to Florida and get the treatment started. There is a lot more needed.Please donate generously and help to Save Anand Gubbi.

Pashchimi ( Bay Area Bangla organization ) has opened a "Save Anand" account where you may make your contributions. All contributions are tax exempt and will be sent directly to the family. Please visit our website http://www.pashchimi.org/ to make your contribution.

If you would like to make a tax exempt donation through VSNA. Please make the Check payable to VSNA (NC). Add "Donation to Save Anand" to the memo and mail the check to VSNA, PO Box 360380,Milpitas, CA 95036-0380Which ever way you donate the money will be directly sent to the family.

Thank you in advance,
Nagesh Tavarageri

Repco Home Fin to float infra arm

2008-04-15T02:51:00.000-07:00

Chennai, Apr 14 Repco Home Finance Ltd, a subsidiary of the government-owned Repco Bank, is entering into infrastructure financing in a big way. Having gained expertise over the years, the company has decided to float a subsidiary called Repco Infrastructure Development Company (RIDC), the company said in a release.
The Chennai-headquartered home finance company believes that the goodwill earned over the years coupled with its close rapport with both state and Central governments will make the proposed infrastructure subsidiary a preferred partner for public-private-partnership (PPP) projects. The company hopes to exploit the increasing demand and supply gap situation in the country on infra financing.
The company is targeting a total business of Rs 1,000 crore during the current fiscal and pan-India presence. Having established 33 branches, mostly in the southern states, the company will be expanding to places such as Hyderabad, Mysore, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Nellore, Rajamundhry, Cuddalore, Belgaum, Hubli and Shimoga in the current fiscal.
For the fiscal ended March 31, 2007, the company reported 35% growth in net profit to Rs 15.57 crore as against Rs 11.53 crore and 61% growth in operating income to Rs 71.39 crore from Rs 44.37 crore.
The return on capital employed stood higher at 27% as compared to 24.83% during the previous fiscal.
During the year under review, the cumulative loan approvals stood at Rs 908 crore, registering a growth of 48%. The cumulative disbursal stood at Rs 848 crore, a growth of 48%.

DRS Logistics Training Institute - Hubli

2008-04-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: DRS Logistics is embarking on a pan India expansion drive as it plans to touch Rs 1,000 crore turnover by 2010.

"In 2007-08, the company closed at Rs 250 crore. Going by our growth rate during the last three years, we expect to have a revenue of Rs 1,000 crore by 2010," DRS Group Joint Managing Director Ramesh Agarwal told PTI.

The company, which provides logistics and shifting solutions, expects its top-line to touch Rs 450 crore during the current fiscal, he added. Besides, the company also plans to expand its packing and moving business into new cities.

"Currently we are operating from 90 cities and providing shifting services to about 1,200 destinations. We plan to connect with 35-40 new districts every year," Agarwal said. The company is expanding its bases to touch country's all districts in the future, he added. "We currently shift about 180 houses per day across the country with a strength of 950 vehicles. We hope, this number will grow 40 per cent every year," Agarwal said.

The company also runs a logistics training institute in Haryana. It plans to open second such institute in Hubli, Karnataka by July. The company today inducted double door carriers to provide economical shifting solutions to customers. It has placed orders for 300 such vehicles from Eicher Motors.

GoK Responds to RTI Application

2008-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Thanks to the friends / crusaders of RTI, without whose efforts the following information from the Govt of Karnataka would not have been possible to seek. Sincere thanks also go to the Deputy Secy, Smt.Indumathi, Dept of IT and BT, for taking time to compile and furnish the following response to my RTI application, albeit with a delay of more than 20+ days. The very fact that the bureaucractic machinery is responding to an application, shows the inherent strength in Right to Information Act.

Herewith are the details of the response, for your information.

Regards,
Nagesh Tavarageri

Responses:

Dear Mr. Nagesh Tavarageri,

Greetings from the Department of IT, BT and S & T, Government of Karnataka.

At the outset, I would like to inform you that, I am the Public Information Officer for the Department of IT, BT and S & T.

In your mail, you have requested for details regarding Government initiatives to develop Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli and Dharwad, as IT destinations between January 2001 and January, 2008. Our replies are therefore limited to only to the initiatives taken by the IT, BT and S & T Department. I am furnishing the following information with reference to each one of your requests:-

1) Initiatives and efforts by the Department of IT, BT and S & T, to develop Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli & Dharward, are given in the attachment.

2)& 3) Special Economic zones are sanctioned by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, on the recommendations of the Commerce & Industries Department of Karnataka State. Hence, information relating to SEZs may kindly be obtained from C & I Department.

4) Details of approved investments in Mysore, Managalore, Hubli and Dharwad, are given in the attachment.

5) During the interaction at Hubli – IT investors’ meet, TCS and IBM representatives had expressed keen interest in setting up operations in Hubli-Dharward region. However, the representatives of these companies did not commit in writing, as they wanted to consult their senior management and revert. Since several commercial considerations are taken into account before setting up an industrial/commercial unit, the Department understands the delay in taking a decision by these two majors.

6) Please see the information furnished in the attachment.

7) Please see the information furnished in the attachment.

8) Please see the information furnished in the attachment.

Thank you for showing keen interest in the development of Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities in Karnataka State. We would be happy to provide any other information that you may require. We would also be happy to get your inputs for taking initiatives for IT Development in the Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities.

With regards,

S. Indumathi
Deputy Secretary – IT & BT
Department of IT, BT and S & T
Government of Karnataka

--------------------------------
Contents of 1st Attachment - I:
--------------------------------

Information to queries By :: Nagesh Tavaragere,Cerritos,CA 90703,USA.

Q.no: (1) List of Government initiatives and efforts by the Department of It & Biotechnology:

IT Parks, Earth stations and incubation facilities:

With an idea of taking Information Technology to II tier cities of the state, the State Govt. is taking steps for establishment of Earth Station and Incubation Centers at the following places with the active involvement of STPI Bangalore. As envisaged in the STPI scheme the state Govt. is ready to provide necessary grants and 5 acres of land at these places for setting up of Earth Station and Incubation Centre. The STPI will set up the facility using Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) grant and their own resources.

Towards this endeavor the following projects have already been taken up:-

Mangalore:

In addition to the existing earth station located at Derebailu Mangalore at sy no 129/A, the M/s KEONICS has been requested to reserve the remaining available land measuring 3.25 acres in the same sy no for establishing an IT Park.

Gulbarga

Similarly in Gulbarga city also the Department of IT & Biotechnology had requested University Gulbarga to provide a minimum of 5 acres of land for Establishment of Earth-station & Incubation facilities there in. The University authorities have agreed in principle to provide the land for the said purpose. They have submitted a proposal to the Govt., in education department, seeking their approval for transfer of the said land to IT & BT Department.

The STPI Bangalore has moved a proposal with Government of India to release Central Govt Share for the Establishment of Earth-station & Incubation facilities in Gulbarga & Belgaum cities. Approval of the Union Govt. is awaited in this regard.

Belgaum: The Department of IT & BT, through KBITS have taken steps to establish Earth Station and Incubation Facilities at Belgaum City. In this connection 5 acres 17 guntas of Govt land land was identified in Sy no:189 of Hindalga Village Belgaum got the same sanctioned for the said purpose. At present the ownership and possession of the said property is with the Department of IT & Biotechnology.

Shimoga: The Department of IT & BT through KBITS have taken steps to establish Earth Station and Incubation Facilities at Sy no: 86 of Naville Village, Shimoga for which 5 acres of land have already been taken into possession. Within the municipal limits of Shimoga located and adjacent to Jawaharlal Nehru National College of Engineering Shimoga. STPI has been requested to take up the project on priority basis.

Hubli IT Park : A state of the art IT Park of International Standards is developed in Hubli, with a built-up space of 1,75,000 sq.feet. The park houses a few IT and BPO companies. The Hubli branch of iiit-B and the earth stations and incubation facilities of STPI are also housed here.

STPI-Hubli is located in the IT Park, has been operational from May 2001. It is located in the heart of the City. STPI Hubli has a high speed gateway with a capacity of 1 Mbps, capable of servicing the internet community in the radius of 40 kms. With its high-tech microwave setup, its coverage can be extended to Davanagere, Shimoga and upto Gulbarga and Belgaum in the Northern region using hired fiber / copper using cables.

STPI-Hubli houses the first of its kind 'Incubation Center' It has well designed and furnished infrastructure which is fully equipped computers, Internet connectivity, Fax and Xerox. It measure 4,000 Sq. Ft. and has 24x7 hours technical support. At present there are 8 software companies are using these incubation facilities.

STPI Hubli is the fourth independent gateway available in Karnataka. Its main center is in Bangalore, which accounts for one third of country's software exports. STPI headquartered at Delhi.

STPI is operating from as many as 29 high-speed satellite and fiber gateways to communicate with 23 countries.

Q. 2) Details of Special Economic Zones :

With regard to the information about SEZ status at Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad cities, the information will be available with Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) or Karnataka Udyoga Mitra (KUM), Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka.

Q.3)Details of SEZs forwarded to Board of Approvals

SEZ proposals are forwarded by Commerce and Industries Department directly to Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India.

Q.4) Details of approved private investments into Mysore,Mangalore and Hubli-Dharwad::

Information furnished in Annexture-1(Enclosed).

Q. 5) press coverage about two IT majors interested to invest in Hubli-Dharwad:

This information is not available with this Department (KBITS).

Q. 6) Government in Dept of IT & BT had taken initiatives with vide Government Order No: ITD 49 ADM 2007, Bangalore dated 19.10.2007, offering special package for IT investors for space in the IT-Park Hubli.
a) Rent of Rs. 9/- per Sq.ft –
- for the first 50,000 Sq.ft of space subject to individual
allotment of a minimum of 25,000 Sq.ft.
b) Rent of Rs. 15/- per Sq.ft –

- for the next 15,000 Sq.ft of space (i.e after the 1st 50,000
sq.ft exhausted)
c) Rent of Rs. 30/- per Sq.ft –
- for the balance premises ( i.e after the area of 5,000 sq.ft
(50,000 plus 15,000 sq.ft) is exhausted).

These conditions at (a),(b),(c) above will be subject to the following conditions:
i) Above offer is open only for one year from the date of issue of this order.
ii) Space will be allotted only to IT companies / firms which have registration with STPI.
iii) The rental agreement under the confessional package will be for a period of 3 years after which rent will be revised.

Q. 7) website:http://www.destinationhubli.in, was created by Deputy Commissioners office Dharwad(by Dharwad District Administration) temporarily for the purposes of Hubli IT investors meet held in May-2006.

Q. 8) Granting SEZ project for TCS company at Hubli-Dharwad: the information will be available with Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) or Karnataka Udyoga Mitra (KUM), Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka. The department of IT & BT , Government of Karnataka is not vested with the grant or defer SEZ status. This power is vested in the Ministry of Commerce Government of India.

--------------------------------
Contents of 1st Attachment - II:
--------------------------------

Annexure-1

Q.No. 4

List of IT Projects cleared in State Level Single Window and State High Level Clearance committee since 2001 to Jan 2008

Sl.no
Company name
Project
Location
Investment (Rs in Crores)
Status

M/S Specialized process innovation pvt. Ltd.,
No.407, Gokulam 3rd Stage,
Contour road, Mysore-570002.

BPO company
plot No. 120, Metagalli Industrial Area, Mysore Taluk
15 crores.
implemented

Vatsya InfoTech park LPvt Ltd,
No 38, 2nd Floor TB Road Hubli
IT Park
Rayapur Industrial area, Dharwad.
20 crores
To be implemented

Infosys Technologies Ltd Electronics city Hosur road Bangalore
Software development
Electronics City Hebbal Industrial area
MYSORE
43.50 crores
Implemented

Circuit Engineering P Ltd 394,1st cross 5th Main Sadashivanagar Bangalore
PCB
5 Acres in Plot No 417,Hebbal Industrial area Mysore
6 crores
Implemented

Infosys Technologies Ltd Bangalore
Software Development Centre.
Mangalore
1760 crores
Implemented

TRC Consultants (India) P Ltd 1052 3rd Block 7th Main Koramangala Bangalore-34
Software Development Centre
Plot Nos. 67 77 of Hootagalli Indl Area Mysore2A
12 crores
Under Implementation

GD Data Technologies P Ltd
92/B 36th Cross Rajajinagar 2nd Block Bangalore-10
IT Park

HebbaL Indl Area(Bastipura,Anaganahalli Pura Villages of Srirangapatna Mysore
10 acres
48.49 crores
Under implementation

Global Business
Solutions Limited,
N.J.Chambers, 22nd V.N.Road,
Bangalore-560051

Software Development
6 acres of land in KIADB Industrial area, Phase-II Mysore
38.36 Crores.
Under implementation

M/s One zone Facilities P Ltd, No 5,2nd Cross,
Annipura,
Sudhamanagar,
Bangalore-560027.

Software Technology Park”
2nd phase,Hebbal Indl Area ( Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna Tq) Mysore,2A
26.85
Land yet to be allocated by KIADB

M/s RGA Software Systems
P Ld., 97/B,1st Floor,6th
Block, Koramangala,
Bangalore -560095..
“Industrial Park/Hi-Tech Park”
10 acres of land in 2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area (Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna Tq) Mysore
48.07
Under implementation

M/s Puravankara Projects
Ltd,130/1,Ulsoor Road,,
Bangalore -560042
Software Development Centre
2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area (Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna Tq) Mysore ,20A
27.20
Under implementation

M/s Smart Infosoft & Services P
Ltd, 357, Shanthinagar, 7th Cross Laxmi Road,
Bangalore-560027.

Software Technology Park”
2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area (Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna Tq) Mysore2A
26.22
Under implementation

Kruthi Computer
Services P Ltd,
No 34,2nd Stage, 9th
Cross, WOC Road, Mahalaxmipuram,
Bangalore-560086
“Software Technology Park”
2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area ( Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna) Mysore
2 Acres
9.50
Under implementation

M/s S.R.Constructions,,
No 8/2 AGS Building
SM Road Jalahalli West,
Bangalore-560015.
Software Technology Park”
2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area ( Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna) Mysore
2 Acres
9.05
Under implementation

VSJ Infrastructure P Ltd, 54,Sri Balaji Complex,
Malleswaram,
Bangalore
BPO
2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area
( Hanagalli & Pura Village of Srirangapatna Tq ) Mysore2A
8.55 crores
Under implementation

Sushma Industries
39, 50ft Road,
NGEF Layout,
Sanjaynagar,
B,lore

Software development & Electronic Tetsing
2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area
( Hanagalli & Pura Village of Srirangapatna Tq ) Mysore5A
3.57 crores
Under implementation

Sidvin-Core Tech P Ltd
388 19th Main
Rajajinagar 1st Block
B,lore
Software Engineering services
2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area
( Hanagalli & Pura Village of Srirangapatna Tq ) Mysore2A
8.32 crores
Under implementation

Nove Hamlet Ltd
KrishnaGeet
Apartments, 98 2nd Main
Seshadripuram ,
Blore
Software Technology Park”
2nd Phase Hebbal Indl Area,
( Hanagalli & Pura Village of Srirangapatna Tq ) Mysore2A
8.32 crores
Under implementation

M/s Sai Snigdha Tech Park P Ltd,No 18, 2nd Floor, 5th Main, Manjunatha Colony, 2nd Phase, JP Nagar,
Bangalore-78

Software Technology Park
phase-II, Hebbal Indl Area (Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna Taluk, Mysore2A
8.99 crores
Under implementation

M/s Bangalore IT Solutions P Ltd,
No 16, Line Light House , 5th B Main, KR Road,
Obalappa Garden,,
Bangalore-82
Software Technology Park/BPO Unit
phase-II, Hebbal Indl Area (Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna Taluk, Mysore2A
9.58 Cr
Under implementation

M/s Testing czars
Software Solutions P Ltd,No 604,2nd Floor, Phase-II, 7th Block, 80 Ft Road,
Banashankari 3rd
Stage, Bangalore-85
Software Development Centre”
phase-II, Hebbal Indl Area Mysore2A
3.61 cr
Under implementation

M/s Newage Software TechnologiesNo 30 A,8th A Main Road,Rajamahal Vilas Extension,
Bangalore-80
Software Development Centre”
phase-II, Hebbal Indl Area (Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna Taluk, Mysore2A
14.72 crores
Under implementation

M/s Hanu Technologies& Facilities P Ltd,
No 1128, 17th Cross 9th Main 7th Sector,
HSR Layout, Bangalore.

Software Technology Park/BPO Unit
phase-II, Hebbal Indl Area (Hanagalli & Pura Villages of Srirangapatna T`aluk, Mysore2A
7.50 cr
Under implementation

BA Tec park P Ltd
Thumbay Bantawal
Dakshina Kannada-574170
IT/ITES Park
Thumbay Bantawal DK-30 Acres of own land
47 cr
Under implementation

Numagine Technologies,
Saraswathi,
Opp, Mangala Stadium,
6th ross,Gandhinagar,
Mangalore-03
IT/ITES Park
Sy no 334,416,330,422,421,415,331,414,418 of Pajeer Villgae
Sy nos 1,2/1,215/4,219,110,215,214 of Kairangala Village,
Or in the proposed SEZ at Pajeer , Kairangala ,Kooranadu Village in Magalore-
35 acres
46.62 cr
Under implementation

Mangalore Internet City P Ltd,
Jemhaven Crest Apartment,Anegundi Road,Bejai,
Mangalore-04
IT Park
SEZ Mangalore
50 acres
48 cr
Under implementation

M/s Wipro Limited,
Doddakannahalli,
Sarjapura Road,
Bangalore-500035.

Software Services/Business Process Outsourcing”
SEZ Mangalore
10A
25 cr
Under implementation

M/s Griha Software Technologies Pvt Ltd,
No 951, Vijayalakshmi Complex,
24th Main, Phase-II, J.P.Nagar,
Bangalore-500078.

Content Development--BPO”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
22Cr
Under implementation

M/s Global E- Softsys Pvt. Ltd,
1st Floor, Sumeru, 327,15th Cross,
2nd Block, Jayanagar,
Bangalore-500011.
Content Development--BPO”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
28Cr
Under implementation

M/s Wisdom Technologies,
35/2,33rd Main Road,BTM Layout,1st Stage,
Bangalore-500068.
Content Development--BPO”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
28Cr
Under implementation

M/s B-Commerce Info systems Pvt. Ltd,,
32, Grape Garden 17th Main Road, 6th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore -500095.
Software Development Centre”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
32Cr
Under implementation

M/s Induscorp India Pvt. Ltd,
26/27,6th Main, MICO Layout BTM 2nd Stage,
Koramangala, Bangalore -500076.
Software Development Centre”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
35Cr
Under implementation

M/s AR2G Software Services Pvt. Ltd,
339/A Shivani 17th Cross, IDEAL Home Township,Phase-1, Rajarajeswarinagar,
Bangalore -500098.
Software Development Centre”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
35Cr
Under implementation

M/s Rushi Tech Park India Pvt. Ltd,
A3, Nature View Apartments,
Munnarayanapalya ,RT Nagar,
Bangalore -500032.

Software Development Centre”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
35Cr
Under implementation

M/s LeoInfotech Pvt. Ltd,
569,2nd Floor, Banagirinagar,
Bangalore -500085.
Software Development Centre”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
35Cr
Under implementation

M/s Vakil Housing Development Corporation Pvt. Ltd,
78, Koramangala Industrial Area,
Jyothinivas College Road,
Bangalore -500095.

“IT Park/BPO facility’
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
45Cr
Under implementation

M/s Seliha R & H Softtech Pvt. Ltd,
1128, 17th Cross, 9th Main 7th Sector,
HSR Layout, Bangalore.
Software Technology Park & BPO Facility”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
43Cr
Under implementation

M/s Vijayaraj Constructions Pvt. Ltd,
4/A, Koramangala Village,
Bangalore.-560095
Software Technology Park
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
34Cr
Under implementation

M/s Brigade Enterprises Pvt. Ltd,
135, Pent House, Brigade Towers,
Brigade Road,,
Bangalore.-560025
“IT/ITES SEZ”
Koorgalli, Mysore. 2A
43Cr
Under implementation

M/s.Brigade Enterprises Pvt Ltd,
#135, Pent House, Brigade Towers,
Brigade Road,
Bangalore-560025
IT/ITES SEZ’
Pajer, Kairangala Koornadu villages in Mangalore5A
32
Under implementation

M/s. Kalyani Developers ,
151/2, Doresani Palya, opp IIMB,
Bannerghatta Road,
Bangalore-560076.
Software Technology Park
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore2A
40
Under implementation

M/s. Salarpuria Properties Pvt Ltd
No.100 K H Road,
Bangalore-560027.
IT & ITES-SEZ
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore2A
30
Under implementation

M/s. Nano Tech S.E.Z
No. 30/A, 8th A Main Road,
RMV Extension,
Bangalore-560080.
SEZ for Software & BPO centre
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore2A
30
Under implementation

M/s. Gopalan Enterprises
No. 5, Richmond Road,
Bangalore-560025.
SEZ Infrastructure for IT & BPO units.
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore2A
28
Under implementation

M/s. Gopalan Enterprises
No. 5, Richmond Road,
Bangalore-560025.
SEZ Infrastructure for IT & BPO units.
Pajeer, Kairangala, Koornadu villages in Mangalore5A
28
Under implementation

M/s. Chantilly Group,
2nd Floor, Sales centre,
Executive Chambers,
18/4, Cunningham Road,
Bangalore-560052.
BPO, ODC and Software Development Service centre”
Pajeer, Kairangala, Koornadu villages in Mangalore5A
25
Under implementation

M/s. Softech Solutions,
#30/A, 8th “A” Main Road,
Rajmahal Vilas Extension,
Bangalore-560080.
Software Development – Automated Testing Tool for IT Industries”
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore2A
28
Under implementation

M/s. Creative Solutions,
#35/2, Kranti Kavi Sarvagna Road,
Srirampuram,
Bangalore-560021.
Software Development Centre”
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore2A
28
Under implementation

M/s. Embassy Software Pvt Ltd.
Jayanagar,
Bangalore-560041.
Software Technology Park and BPO
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore2A
28
Under implementation

M/s. Soft Facilities Pvt Ltd.
#4/A, Koramangala Village,
Bangalore-560097.
Software Technology Park”
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore 2A
28
Under implementation

M/s. Jans Business Pvt Ltd.
16/16 Crescent Road, Benson Town
Bangalore-560046.
“Software Technology Par
Koorgalli Industrial area.Mysore 2A
28
Under implementation

M/s. Sumeru Software Technologies Pvt Ltd.
32, Grape Garden, 17th H Main Road Koramangala,
Bangalore-560097.
Business Process Outsourcing Centre
Koorgalli, Mysore
3Ac
22
Under implementation

M/s Larsen & Tourbo Ltd,
Hebbal, Mysore.
Software Development/Hardware Production.
Hebbal Indl Area Mysore
33 Acres
92.10
Under implementation

M/s Velankani Information Systems (P) Ltd, Bangalore
Software Tech Park
Sriranga patnaTq Mysore Dt
50 acres
581.50
Under implementation

I Flex Solutions Limited Bangalore
Software Development
Mysore
100 Acres
475 cr
Under implementation

M/s. RMZ InfoTech P Ltd,,
The Millennia Tower-B Level 12-14 1&2 Murphy Road
Ulsoor, Bangalore-560008
SEZ for IT/ITES Sector’
Koorgalli Indl Area Mysore
38
Under implementation

M/s. Bagmane Developers P Ltd,,
No 7/2 Langford Gardens,
Bangalore-560025
SEZ for IT/ITES Sector
Koorgalli Indl Area Mysore
28
Under implementation

M/s. Renaissance Design build P Ltd,,
No 12,18th Cross 6th Main Malleswaram
Bangalore-560055
SEZ for IT/ITES Sector’
Koorgalli Indl Area Mysore
36
Under implementation

M/s. Rashi Developers,
C-205, House of Lords St Mark Road
Bangalore-560055
“SEZ for IT/ITES Sector’
Koorgalli Indl Area Mysore
36
Under implementation

M/s. Vanora Online P Ltd,
17/1 Cambell Road
Bangalore-560047
SEZ for IT Industries’
Koorgalli Indl Area Mysore
36
Under implementation

M/s.Vision Softtech Facilities P Ltd,
100 KH Road,
Bangalore-560027
SEZ for IT Industries’
Koorgalli Indl Area Mysore
36
Under implementation

M/s. Tandon Holdings P Ltd,
C-1 Udyog Sadan-3 MIDC Andheri(E)
MUMBAI-400092.
SEZ for Electronic Assemblies and Software Development Centre
Koorgalli Indl Area Mysore
35
Under implementation

M/s. RMZ InfoTech Pvt Ltd,,
The Millennia Tower-B Level 12-14 1&2 Murphy Road
Ulsoor, Bangalore-560008
“SEZ for IT/ ITES Sector”
EPIP of KIADB, Ganjimutt, Mangalore
42
Under implementation

M/s.Kinfotech Software Pvt Ltd.
Sandeep Complex, 11th main,
3rd Block, Jayanagar,
Bangalore-560011
SEZ for IT / ITES Sector
EPIP of KIADB, Ganjimutt, Mangalore
45
Under implementation

M/s. J. K BROS Constrafin Limited.
# 5 , Lakshmi Building , 450-1-14,
27th cross, 4th Block, Jayangar,
Bangalore-5600 11.
BPO, Content Development and Management Centro”
EPIP, Ganjimutt, Mangalore
30
Under implementation

M/s. Lotus Tech Park
(A Division of Lotus Fabrics Pvt Ltd)
‘Sudhama House’, Devatha Market,
Chickpet, Bangalore-560025.
“Software Technology Park
EPIP, Ganjimutt, Mangalore
35
Under implementation

M/s. Nitesh Estates Private Limited
# 107 , 1st floor, Andrews Buildings,
M.G.Road,
Bangalore-560 001
Sector Specific SEZ for IT / ITES
EPIP, Ganjimutt, Mangalore
33
Under implementation

M/s. ABV Infotech Pvt Ltd.
Sanjaynagar, Nagashettyhalli,
Bangalore-560094.
Software Development Centre & BPO
Koorgalli Industrial Area, Mysore
27
Under implementation

M/s. Renaissance Design Build Pvt Ltd.
No.12, 18th Cross, 6th Main,
Malleshwaram, Bangalore-560 055
SEZ for IT/ ITES Sector
EPIP, Ganjimutt, Mangalore
45
Under implementation

M/s. Span Infotech (India) Pvt Limited,
No.108, Off Bull Temple Road,
Gavipuram Guttahalli, Basavanagudi,
Bangalore-5600219
Software Development Centre”
Koorgalli Industrial Area, Mysore
27
Under implementation

M/s. Samruddhi IT Solutions Pvt Limited,
No: 248, 7th ‘C’ Main, 3rd Stage,
4th Block, Basaveshwaranagar,
Bangalore-560079.
IT Park / Software Development Centre”
Hebbal / Koorgalli Industrial Area, Mysore OR in any other Industrial Area, in Mysore.
40
Under implementation

M/s. NIPI Software Pvt Limited,
No: 5487 , Vijayanagar,2nd Stage,
1st Floor, Opp. Water Tank,
Mysore-570 017.
Software Development Centre”
Koorgalli, Mysore OR in Ilwal
38
Under implementation

M/s. RPS ECOTECH VILLAGE,
No: 151/600/677, Opp. to IIMB,
Bannerghatta Main Road,
Bangalore-560 076.
“IT Park”
Ilwal, Mysore District
10 acres
48
Under implementation

M/s. MARLABS SOFTWARE PVT LTD.
# 42, 4th ‘B’ Cross, 5th Block,
Koramangala Industrial Area,
Bangalore-560 034.
“Software Development Centre and BPO
Ilwal, Mysore District
4 acres
18
Under implementation

M/s. BNA TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING PVT. LTD,
# 146, Shanthala Plaza, 14th Cross, 8th Main,
Malleswaram,
Bangalore-560003
Software Development Centre and BPO
Koorgalli or any other Industrial Area, in Mysore
5 acres
22
Under implementation

M/s. INATECH INFOSOLUTIONS PVT.LTD
3rd Floor, “Cunningham Classic” 22,
Cunningham Road,
Bangalore-560 052
Software Development Centre
Koorgalli Industrial Area , Mysore Dist
3 acres
12
Under implementation

M/s. SRI MARUTHI POWER-GEN PVT LTD.,
No: 22/4, Race cource Road,
Gandhinagar,
Bengalore-560 009.
Information Technology Park
EPIP, Ganjimutt, Mangaluru, D.K District,
30
Under implementation

M/s. GLOBAL BIOTECH SYSTEMS PVT LTD.
No: 68, St. John’s Church Road,
Bengalooru-560 005.
Biotech Research and Manufacturing unit for vaccine, used for Chickengunya disease and also for Bird Flu (Chicks Ilwal / Belagola Industrial area, in Mysore
22
Under implementation

M/s. PRAGATHI ENTERPRISES.
# 59/2, Jai Bharath Nagar,
Basavanagudi Road,
Bengalooru-560 033.
IT Park”
Belagola Industrial Area Mysore District
25
Under implementation

M/s. Global Engineering Systems FZC.
# 77/1, 6th Main between 17th & 18th Cross,
Bengalooru-560 055.
Software Development Centre”
Yelwal / Belagola Industrial Area, in Mysore District,
23
Under implementation

M/s. Excelsoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd
# 1-B, Hootagahalli Industrial Area,
Mysore – 570 018.
Educational Software and Products to demonstrate E-Learning Education
Illwal or Belagola Industrial Area, in Mysore District,
17
Under implementation

M/s. SREEVANA TECHNO-VILLAGE
No: 70, Levelle Road,
2nd Cross, 1st Floor,
Bengalooru-560 001.
Softawre Technology Park
15 Acres of land,
Ilwal Industrial area, in Mysore,
45
Under implementation

M/s. KRESHI TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD.
No: 29/2, K. H Road,
Bengalooru-560 027.
SEZ for IT/ITES Sector
35 acres of land,
Ilwal Industrial area, Mysore
48
Under implementation

M/s. INDUS NETWORKS LTD.
Plot No: 312, Road No: 10C ,
New MLA & MP’s Colony, Jubilee Hiils,
HYDERABAD - 500 033.
Andhra Pradesh.
BPO/KPO/ITES, Content Development and Management Centre
3 acres of land,
in 2nd Phase, EPIP, Ganjimutt, Mangalore District.
10
Under implementation

M/s. INDUS NETWORKS LTD.
Plot No: 312, Road No: 10C ,
New MLA & MP’s Colony, Jubilee Hiils,
HYDERABAD - 500 033.
Andhra Pradesh.
BPO/KPO/ITES, Content Development and Management Centre
5 acres of land,
in Ilwal Industrial Area, in Mysore District
12
Under implementation

M/s. TARGET ASSOCIATES PVT. LTD.
No: 82 & 83, Borewell Road,
Whitefield ,
Bengalooru-560 066.
Incubation centre for IT/ITES Industries including Service Apartments
4 acres of land,
in Ilwal OR Koorgalli Industrial Area, Mysore
18
Under implementation

M/s. GEODESIC TECHNIQUES PVT. LTD.
No: 259, Abhishek Complex,
Sampige Road, 17th Cross, Malleswaram
Bengalooru-560 003.
Software Development Centre
4 acres
in Ilwal Industrial Area, Mysore
15
Under implementation

M/s. VERITAS MARKETING SERVICES,
No: 2-B, Mount Kailash,
33/5, Meanee Avenue, Ulsoor,
Bangalore-560 042.
Software Development Centre
2 acres
in Ilwal Industrial Area, Mysore District.
10
Under implementation

M/s. CHIPWORKS PVT. LTD
No: 412, I & II Floor, I Block,
Chord Road, Rajajinagar.
Bengalru – 560 010.
Software Development Centre
2 acres
in Ilwal Industrial Area, Mysore District,
10
Under implementation

M/s. P.M. INDUSTRIES.
N.S Palya, Near P.M Kalyana Mantap,
Bannerghatta Road,
Bengalooru-560076
Software Technology Park
5 Acres of land,
Ilwal / Belagola Industrial area, in Mysore district.
18
Under implementation

M/s. BLUE HILL INFORMATICS PVT. LTD.
Classic Court, 2nd floor,
9/1, Richmond Road, No: 29/2, K. H Road,
Bengalooru-560 025.
IT Park With Hotel and Other common facilities
15 acres of land,
Ilwal Industrial area, Mysore District.
42
Under implementation

PM Infrastructure Pvt Ltd., Bangalore
SEZ for IT/ITES sector
Illwal-Belgola Industrial Area, Mysore
25
Under implementation

Shri Balaji Developers, Bangalore
IT Park with hotel, residential space and other facilities
Illwal-Belgola Industrial Area, Mysore
24
Under implementation

Sitarathan Enterprises, Bangalore
IT Park
Illwal Industrial Area, Mysore
10
Under implementation

Shree RUchith Information Technologies, Bangalore
Software Development Centre
Illwal-Belgola Industrial Area, Mysore
15
Under implementation

Dhruvi Software Technologies , Bangalore
Software Development Centre
Illwal Industrial Area, Mysore
12
Under implementation

Target Services India Pvt Ltd
Software & Business Service Centre
Illwal Belagola Industrial Area, Mysore
18
Under implementation

M/s: ROFOUS SOFTWARE PVT. LTD.
No.4/2, H.Siddiah Road Cross,
Bangalore – 500 002.
IT Park
Requested KIADB to allot 15 acres of land, for the project, in Ilwal-Belagola Industrial Area, Mysore District.
5867
Under implementation

M/s. SKY TOP BUILDERS PVT. LTD
No.175, 6th Cross, Gandhinagar,
Bangalore – 560 009.
IT Park
KIADB to allot 15 acres of land for the project, in Ilwal Industrial Area, Mysore, Mysore District.
670
Under implementation

M/s: SUMO TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD.
No.7/7 (30), I Floor, ND Mansion, C.L.Layout, Hosur Main Road,
Davanagere – 560 029.
IT / ITES and BPO”
4 acres of land, at Ilwal / Belegola Industrial Area, Mysore District
152
Under implementation

M/s. AKSHEY INFOTECH,
No.701, 1st B Main Road,
II Phase, BSK III Stage,
Bangalore – 560 085.
BPO Centre
2 acres of land, to establish an “BPO Centre”, , in Ilwal - Belagola Industrial Area, Mysore.
152
Under implementation

M/s AGEIS INTERNATIONAL & ASSOCIATES
Plot No.4,I Floor,SBM Colony, Bangalore.
“Software Development Center”
5 acres of land, in Ilwal-Belagola Industrial Area, Mysore District.
339
Under implementation

M/s PRAKRITI INTERNATIONAL
No.4,I Floor, SBM Colony, Bangalore.
“Bio Technology Software Support Solution”
5 acres of land, for the project, in Ilwal-Belagola Industrial Area, Mysore District.
507
Under implementation

M/s NITESH ESTATES PVT. LTD.,
No. 107, 1st Floor, Andrews Building, MG Road,
Bangalore – 01.
Software Technology
& BPO Park
Ilwal – Belgola Industrial Area, Mysore)
492
Under implementation

M/s Leela Lace Holdings P Limited
Andheri Kurala Road,MUMBAI
IT/ITES- Tec Park
Panjeer, Kairangala Koornadu Villages Mangalore 14.15 acres
1237
Under implementation

M/s MIDWEST INFOTECH PVT. LTD.,
No. 70, GR Grand Plaza, Kanakapura Main Road,
JP Nagar 6th Phase, Bangalore – 560 078.
Geographic Information
& Software Development
Ilwal – Belagola Industrial Area, Mysore
534
Under implementation

KAIZEN 4FRONT TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD.
No.30, AG Complex, 1st Floor, 3rd Stage, Adichunchanagiri Road, Kuvempunagar, Mysore
Software Solutions
Centre
Ilwal – Belagola Industrial Area, Mysore
2580
Under implementation

TATA Consultancy Services Limited
IT/ITES- SEZ
Ganjimutt Mangalore
323
Under implementation

Opto Circuits (India) Limited
SEZ for Electronic Hardware Sector
200 acres in Kallahalli,Katawadipura Nasnjanagud Tq Mysore
Under implementation

M/s Karnataka State Financial Corporation,,
KSFC Bhavan No 1/1, Thimmaiah Road,
Near Cantonment Railway Station,
Bangalore-560052
Technology Park for IT”
25 acres of land in a corner in Illwal-Belgola Industrial Area Mysore District
144
Under implementation

M/s. INFO EXPERTS, INC.,
No.111 W, SPRING VALLEY ROAD,
SUITE 150 RICHARDSON, TEXAS,
USA, TX – 750 81
“IT/BPO Services Center”,
6 acres of land, to the company, for the project, in Block No.11, part of EPIP Area, Ganjimutt, Mangalore.
Rs.46.40 crores
Under implementation

M/S. TECHNOFORTE SOFTWARE PVT. LTD.,
NO.42, 15TH CROSS,
14TH MAIN, SECTOR IV,
HSR LAYOUT, BANGALORE – 560 034.
Software Development
2 acres of land in Mangalore SEZ, Mangalore.
38
Under implementation

M/s SUJAA ENTERPRISES, NO.496, 2ND BLOCK, 9TH MAIN, HMT LAYOUT, VIDYARANYAPURA, BANGALORE – 560 097.
Software Development and BPO”,
in 2 acres of land in Belur Industrial Area, Dharwad District.
Rs.4.40 crores,
Under implementation

M/s Target Services India Pvt Ltd
Software and Business Center”,
in Koorgalli – Ilwal – Belagola Industrial Area, Mysore District
8.80
Under implementation

M/s.Jaiprakash Engineering & Steel Company Limited
"IT / ITES - SEZ,
in Baikampady, Kenjar, Kulai, Thokur, Mangalore
28
Under implementation

M/s RMZ Infotech Private Limited.,
SEZ for IT / ITES Sector
at Ganjimutt, EPIP Industrial Area, Mangalore
32
Under implementation

M/s. RMZ Infotech Private Limited.,
“ IT / ITES SEZ”
Mysore Industrial Area, III Phase at Koorgalli Village, Mysore
27
Under implementation

M/s Renaissance Designbuild Private Ltd.,
SEZ for IT / ITES Sector,
Koorgalli Industrial Area, Mysore
26
Under implementation

M/s Renaissance Designbuild Private Ltd.,
SEZ for IT / ITES Sector
EPIP Indsutrial Area Ganjimutt, Mangalore
30
Under implementation

M/s VENORA ONLINE PVT. LTD.,
“IT / ITES SEZ”
at KIADB Industrial Area, Koorgalli, Mysore
28
Under implementation

M/s Kinfotech Software Pvt. Ltd.,
“IT / ITES SEZ”
in EPIP, Ganjimutt, Mangalore
33
Under implementation

M/s T. Holding Electronics Pvt. Ltd.,
“SEZ - Electronic Assemblies and Software Development Center”
in Koorgalli Industrial Area, Mysore
29
Under implementation

M/S. DHRUVDESH HOLDINGS & REALTY PVT. LTD,
NO.1 & 18, 1ST FLOOR, SHANKAR HOUSE,
RMV II STAGE, BANGALORE – 560 080
IT/ITES Park”,
10 acres of land, to the company, for the project, in IT/ITES SEZ Area, Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada District.
Rs.48.50 crores
Under implementation

M/S. CONCEPTA CABLES LIMITED
NO. 270, HEBBAL INDUSTRIAL AREA,
HOOTAGALLI, BELAVADI POST,
MYSORE – 571 186.
Optical Fibre Cables
HEBBAL INDUSTRIAL AREA,
HOOTAGALLI, BELAVADI POST,
MYSORE – 571 186
25.00 Crores
Under implementation

Homing in on a mission to cleanse politics

2008-04-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

DHARWAD: An Indian, settled abroad, returned to India and launched a fight for ‘clean politics’ in the district.

Prashant Sugur, a native of Dharwad, settled in Sannois- Ermount, United States, has resigned from his lucrative job and returned to India with a vision of ‘politics renascent’.“I left India in 1992 and returned this year. I have noticed nothing has changed in these 16 years. Literally, development has come to a halt. So, I have felt that it is high time qualified academics with social responsibility represented people in the Assembly rather than money-driven politicians," Prashant told to this website’s newspaper.

"There are many Indians who have settled abroad, who want to return toIndia and serve our people. I am trying to identify such people and join them in my fight for clean politics," he said. Asked about his chances of contesting the elections, Prashant said that contesting polls was not my aim. "I am here to do some good for my district and people. My primary objective is to bring awareness among the public about the importance of exercising their voting right.At present, only 40 per cent are exercising their voting right, which does not give a popular mandate," he said. "Politics is a platform to serve people. We, the people, make the government and select a leader of our choice . High voter turn tut always reflects people’s faith in democracy and ensures a stable government.

When you can stand hours together in queue for getting an item of your choice, standing in queue for getting a government of our choice is pain worth bearing, as it provides stability for the next five years," he said.

He is a qualified mechanical engineer from Regional Engineering College, Suratkal. "I don’t mind becoming a victim of this system in the process. If I can manage to change a few, I feel the battle is won," he added.

Prashant said: "I am trying to attract more like-minded people to join the campaign through distributing pamphlets, e-mails, social networking sites like Orkut, Google and Blogs.There is also an essay competition on ‘Role of citizens in electing political leaders’ and a marathon walk for clean politics on April 13 to be organised by Citizen Forum.

High-speed rly corridor gets Centres approval

2008-04-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Railway Ministry has agreed to the State government’s suggestion to set up a high-speed railway corridor between Bangalore and Hubli and Hubli and Pune besides extending it to Mysore from Bangalore.

Participating in a discussion on the railway projects in Karnataka organised by the State Council Secretariat, Principal Secretary to Department of Infrastructure V P Baligar said that a joint survey for setting up the corridor would be taken up soon. Earlier the Centre had shown reservation to the State’s suggestion made in this regard. In fact the Centre had proposed a high speed railway corridor between Bangalore-Chennai and Bangalore-Cochin. But Karnataka had told the Centre that it would not participate in the project as it would not benefit the State.

Similarly the State has also suggested for setting up a flight corridor between Bangalore -Hubli and Hubli to Pune. Baligar said that a feasibility study would be conducted regarding laying of a railway line upto the Jog Falls. At present the railway line is being laid upto Talaguppe, which is about 14 kms from the Jog Falls. “This step is being contemplated to boost tourism,” he added.

Baligar said the State had suggested to the Centre to take up Gadag-Haveri, Kushalnagar-Holenarasipura, Shimoga-Harihar, Dharwad-Bailahongal-Belgaum, Shahabad-Bagalkote-Kuchi and Talaguppa-Honnavar lines. Already survey had been ordered in case of Talaguppa-Honnavar line.

Tele-medicine services by ISRO

2008-04-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE: ISRO showcased the power and effectivity of its tele-medicine services by presenting a live demonstration of the network to Raichur and Dharwad district centres from the ISRO headquarters on Friday.

During a workshop on tele-medicine, ISRO officials demonstrated how patients could contact doctors and communicate their problems. The doctors' response and recommendations can be made operative by the doctors at the district centres. Through the system, patients anywhere can avail of services of experts and specialists in hi-tech hospitals in urban areas.

ISRO will be networking 14 districts in the state with tele-medicine facility, which will cut costs for doctors as well as patients and ensure better health services to people in rural areas.

ISRO also has plans to increase the number of village resource centres (VRC) which provide information and services to lakhs of people, from the present 2,000 to 4,000 in the next couple of years.

The tele-medicine network using INSAT that facilitates expert medical services to reach the remote and rural areas has expanded to connect 186 hospitals - 152 in remote and rural areas and 34 super-specialty hospitals in major cities. Chief secretary Sudhakar Rao was present during the demonstration.

EDUSAT network has also expanded and so far nine networks using the national beam and 22 networks using regional beams have been implemented. In all, nearly 10,200 terminals have been connected in the EDUSAT network.

Inox looks at tier II cities for expansion

2008-04-06T12:42:00.001-07:00

Multiplex scene may be getting crowded in places like Mumbai, but in Bangalore and other cities multiplex operators see a big untapped market waiting to be explored.

Bangalore, which many of the multiplex operators believe, is underscreened has space for another 15 or so multiplexes. Hence, there is lot of action being seen in the state.

Multiplex operators are taking their operations to tier II cities now. Inox, the multiplex operator, which claims to be the first to move into untapped markets, now plans to enter Belgaum and Hubli with multiplexes of 4-screen.

It has two multiplexes in Bangalore and plans to add another one in the city, adding six screens to its capacity in Bangalore. It plans to have a four-screen multiplex in Belgaum and another four screens in Hubli.

In January, it added three more screens in Bangalore with the start of its three-screen multiplex in Jayanagar in Bangalore. With that it now has eight-screens in Bangalore, with five screens in Garuda Mall.

It has signed up developers in Hubli and Belgaum for setting up its multiplexes. The eight screens will be operational by February-March ‘09. The multiplex operator spends an average of Rs 2.5 crore per screen.

By March 2009, Bangalore will see Inox adding another five screens in Bangalore with the expansion of its facility in Malleswaram in Western Bangalore at a Mantri Developers’ property. By July 2010, it is set to have its five screen multiplex up and running in Mangalore.

As of today, it has 26 properties running in the country, with 93 screens. Alok Tandon, COO, Inox Leisure said, “We have always believed in being the first to enter a market.”

In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, it plans to set up around 50 screens and has already signed up properties. Inox looks at a payback time of five years.

Inox’s expansion plans for Bangalore comes close on the heels of major developments in the city on the multiplex front. Shringar Cinemas recently opened a multiplex at Fame Lido and is planning another one which is set to come up where once stood the Symphony theatre.

RTI Application - Updates

2008-04-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

This is to keep you updated that the Dept of IT, BT & S & T, has responded back to my RTI application. It updates that the RTI application has been forwarded to Ms.Indumathi, Deputy Secretary, who is also the PIO of the said Dept.

Thanks.

Regards,
Nagesh Tavarageri

RTI Application - Comments

2008-03-28T22:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

In response to the RTI application filed recently with the Dept of IT & BT, a comment has been posted, by Aruna as follows:

"http://www.janataparty.com/Media/VJMInParliament/Budget2005-Index/ENACTMENT_SEZ.htm

Hope this answers your question."

Should this be considered a response by an official of Dept of IT & BT? Or is this a comment left by a person who is interested to share her findings for people at large? It is anybody's guess.

Whoever the person is, I would like to first thank Aruna for sharing this information on the blog, as a comment. Albeit not serving any purpose, this has given some information from the proceedings of Rajya Sabha, about questions raised regarding the SEZs in general and specifics about Hubli-Dharwad.

If Aruna were representing the Dept of IT & BT as an official responding to my query, here is what I would like to convey:

* The information shared does not answer all my questions and falls absolutely short of the details expected.
* The answer to the application has not been conforming to the official guidelines - no mention of the official capacity in which this information is being shared, no contact details whatsoever.

If Aruna is not a govt representative of Dept of IT & BT, and is sharing the information for others, I would like to thank her once again, sincerely.

Thanks,
Nagesh Tavarageri

Finishing school to ready people for BT industry

2008-03-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

After setting up a finishing school for IT, there is a move for setting up a finishing school for industry-ready personnel for the biotechnology units in Karnataka.

Jeetendra Singh, officer on special duty of the Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, told reporters in Mysore the IT Finishing School, the first such effort in the country to meet the manpower requirements in the IT companies, was a success. The Centre had sought details on the school for starting such schools in other states.

He was launching the ‘IT Talent Hunt 2008’, a first of its kind event organised by the Raman International Institute of Information Technology (RiiiT), in association with the department, at the Vidya Vikas Institute of Engineering and Technology, on Wednesday.

The talent pool will be organised across Karnataka by assessing students’ skills needed to enter IT companies. A pre-assessment test will be conducted in engineering and science colleges. After evaluations, the names of the students will be uploaded on the department’s server, which can be accessed by IT firms, instead of going to colleges and conduct campus interviews, RiiiT CEO S V Venkatesh said.

RiiiT has succeeded in placing students even from non-engineering courses in IT sector and was playing a singnifcant role in providing information on pre-requisites needed to enter the IT sector. The talent hunt was aimed at finding 10,000 IT eligibles, he said.

Singh said, the IT industry continued to face manpower shortage. Of the 40,000 engineering students who possed out of colleges, only 25 per cent were employable. In order to improve the employability, the finishing school was launched and it was doing good with the percentage of the employable going up to 60-65 per cent. Building up a talent pool was the next move to make available employable graduates to the IT firms directly.

Highlighting the achievements of the IT sector in Karnataka over the last years, he said the number of IT firms had risen to 1,900 plus from 60 companies, majority of them housed in Bangalore. It provided direct employment for 550,000 people and indirect jobs to about 1.2 million. Karnataka’s share of exports was one-third of the country’s total exports.

Eight Tier II cities were projected for IT industries and they were Mysore, Hubli, Dharward, Mangalore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Hassan and Shimoga. In order support new efforts, the venture capital fund had been increased to Rs 50 crore from Rs 15 crore, Jeetendra added.

BVBCET students excel

2008-03-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

HUBLI: Computer Science department students of the BV Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology (BVBCET), have excelled in a national-level project competition- ‘The Great Mind Challenge-2007’- organised by the IBN Academic Initiative India. Students participated in this competition were Vaman Joshi, Sunil Jainar,Utpal Shanbhag and Sandeep Patil, under the guidance of Prof Manish Onkar.

The project prepared by the students was- ‘OSPEDALE’- Dispensary Management System. They contested with around 62,000 students from 1,998 colleges across India.The Great Mind Challenge was a competition in which students worked on real time projects using the latest industry tool and package provided by the IBM India. This was evaluated by the IBM through several rounds of screening.

OSPEDALE- A dispensary management system is an automation of all hospital process like patient registration, workbench, diagnostic labs, blood bank and other records of the patients. The software simplifies all manual patient tracking work and is of immense use for both the patients visiting the hospital as well as the hospital care. Further, based on the overall rating of projects submitted by the colleges, BVBCET has been adjudged as the one among top 30 colleges across India.

Jairam Ramesh favours GI tag for Byadgi chilli

2008-03-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh, has said that the officials of the Spices Board would be directed to take necessary steps to get the “Geographical Indication” (GI) tag for Byadgi Chilli.
This was imperative for protecting the brand identity of the produce grown in this region in the Haveri district of Karnataka, the Minister said while inaugurating a fresh chilli processing plant with a capacity of 20 tonnes per day at Byadgi on Friday.
Byadgi chilli had special appeal and was in great demand for its colour and less pungent odour. Just as in the case of Mysore Mallige and Darjeeling Tea, the produce needed to be credited with an appropriate GI tag.
Better prices
This would also help farmers in getting better prices for their yield.
During the last financial year, chilli worth Rs 1,000 crore was exported but hardly was any value addition accorded.
The Minister asked the farmers to raise organic chilli that would fetch much better prices.
A laboratory facility would be set up in Byadgi during the next six months for testing the quality of chilli products meant for export.
Solar drying units have been set up at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. Ramesh promised to look into whether solar drying units were viable in Byadgi as well.
The fresh chilli processing plant is the first such to be set up by the Centre through STCL Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Spices Trading Corporation of India Ltd.
The Thiruvananthapuram-based National Institute for Inter-disciplinary Sciences and Technology (NIIST) has provided the technical know-how.
Among those who attended the inaugural function were Aravind Pandalai, Chairman, and K.C. Ponnanna, Managing Director, STCL.
The plant will produce quality Byadgi chilli in rich colour to stringent international standards, free of aflatoxins.
Unlike the conventional process of sun-drying the fresh chilli, the garden-fresh produce will be converted into the end product within a few hours of reaching the factory.
The Minister also announced that the Spices Board was ready to set up a Spices Park in the region comprising the Dharwad, Haveri and Gadag districts of Karnataka. Such parks have been envisaged for the States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

BPOs feel realty pinch in smaller cities

2008-03-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: India Inc, especially the BPO (business process oursourcing) sector, looks at them as the 'next destination cities'. With sky rocketing property prices, non-availability of good office spaces on rent, and high attrition rates, Tier I cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi are fast becoming too expensive for many BPO firms. A reason why Tier II-III cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, are coming up as alternative destinations. However, some BPOs say, the move to Tier II cities may not be a great idea after all, since property prices are not very cheap or not what they expected them to be. Real estate may be booming, but prices sky rocketing as well at times quite close to Delhi and Bangalore rates. What's more, getting good middle management talent too is a problem in these cities. While cities like Pune have almost become an extension of Mumbai, others like Ahmedabad, Mohali and Jaipur are catching up fast with improved infrastructure and real estate. In fact, many BPOs are drawing out plans to move to these cities, while some have already taken the first step. For example, WNS has a centre in Nasik, Genpact has a facility in Jaipur, Intelenet has centres in Pune and Mohali, and Mphasis has it in Mangalore. However, experts warn the picture may not be as pretty as it looks. The ground reality is quite different in some of these cities. While real estate is developing fast, prices too are moving north simultaneously. And that's a dampener for many companies. "Its not easy to get large office spaces at low cost in cities like Pune or Ahmedabad. These cities are also witnessing a real estate boom, costs are only marginally lower than say Mumbai or Delhi. Buying or renting property comes to almost as much as in the metros," says Aditya Gupta, president, InfoVision. "Surely, rentals in Tier 2 cities are lower than metros but due to the huge demand from corporates, prices are on the rise," feels Radhika Balasubramanian of Intelenet Global Services, which has 18 centres across India including a few in small cities. Availability of talent pool is the other major attraction for small cities. However, experts say even that could be a problem. Even though many BPOs hold job 'melas' in small cities, where spot jobs are offered and lakhs are being spent on ads to attract young professionals, the quality of manpower is not that good. In fact, the investment in training is bound to be significantly higher in these cities. With most people having completed their education in vernacular medium, their knowledge of English is usually poor. "Also, its not easy to get middle management people in smaller cities. People at the team leader level with a few years of experience are tough to find. And not many are willing to relocate from a metro to a smaller city," explains Sohit Brahmawar, executive director, vCustomer. However, on the positive side, studies reveal attrition levels and salary expectations in smaller cities is much lower than in Tier I cities. Realising the business potential of smaller cities, state governments are now playing an active role in attracting BPOs to invest in their. The Karnataka government has helped make destinations like Mangalore and Hubli attractive. Similarly, Punjab is taking efforts to develop infrastructure and initiate policy changes. And as experts say, given the sky rocketing prices in bigger cities, ultimately, moving to a Tier 2/3 city will be not be an option but a must do for most BPOs.

IT industries prosper despite terror network

2008-03-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

HUBLI: With seven IT companies taking possession of land in twin cities to start operations, it appears that IT/BPO industry has dared to make City next destination of the IT industry after Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore nothwithstanding the terror fear prevailing in north Karnataka for the last couple of months, apart from infrastructure bottlenecks.

'Aryabhatta Tech Park' that came up here following the state government's order to Hubli-Dharwad Urban Development Authority to develop 26 acres of land belonging to Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation at Amargol on Hubli- Dharwad main road with an aim to develop a model tech park in the nonmetro city. It has succeeded in attracting seven companies.

As per the plan, the tech park will have 11 companies and seven organisations have already paid 40 per cent of the land price. The land is priced at Rs 10 lakh an acre and companies have been asked to remit betterment levy to the tune of Rs 78,450 an acre.

There were speculations that IT companies were reluctant to set up firms in City when the media exposed the planned sabotage activities by the suspected terrorists and activists of banned outfit SIMI in the region.

Following the speculations the real estate business has witnessed a significant fall in twin cities .

Hubli City, which had witnessed the adversities of communal riots on its routine business and economy during the Idgha Maidan issue in 1990s, has been slowly shedding its ‘sensitive city’ tag to become normal and ‘industry-friendly city’, but failed to become the ‘preferred’ IT destination after Bangalore-Mysore even after setting up a Software Technology Park of India (STPI) here which is lying almost vacant for the past one decade.

When the HDUDA approved the blueprint of Aryabhatta Tech Park with state-of-the-art facilities, the industrialists and people have rejoiced at the development, but in the mean time, it was speculated that no IT firms would come to Hubli following 'deep-rooted' terrorist links in the City.

Despite speculations, seven IT companies of the nine companies which were allotted land by HDMC - Able Design Engineering Services, Dharwad, PAC Soft, Bangalore, Trinity Tech and Software Solutions, Hubli, Mahaveer Infotech, Hubli, Penaber Infotech, Hubli, Sankalp Semi- Conductors, Silicon Software Solutions Pvt Ltd, Evision Bangalore, Oruley Tech Pvt Ltd, Bangalore have taken possession of land at Aryabhatta Tech Park.

Santosh Huralikoppi, CEO, NS Infotech Ltd and chairman of IT subcommittee, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Hubli, said that issues like terrorism would not have long-term impact on investors mood in small cities.

High precision parts and assemblies produced

2008-03-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

Leading precision engineering and manufacturing company specialises in the design and manufacture of large volume high precision components and assemblies

At the UK's Subcon 2008 subcontracting show at the NEC, Birmingham, April 22-24, on Stand D15, the VTL Group - a leading precision engineering and manufacturing company - will show its speciality in the design and manufacture of large volume high precision components and assemblies. The group supplies major OEMs and end users in the automotive, truck and industrial sectors, and employs 260 people in five manufacturing plants across Europe, Asia and North America.

In 2008 it will open a further factory in India.

The Group includes the following companies.

* VTL Automotive - a leader in supplying vehicle manual transmission components, with factories in the UK and India.
* TWL Engineering - rapid prototype development, low volumes, tooling solutions and CAD/CAM design.
TWLE is active in the industrial and automotive markets.
* TWL Precision - has factories in UK, USA and India, and is a high volume precision machining company aimed at automotive and industrial customers.

All of these companies hold the key automotive industry TS16949 certification as well as ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001.

* US operations - in 2007, TWL Precision established a new purpose built manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, to allow it to produce components close to key automotive customers.

Located in Charleston, within the NAFTA zone and close to key end users in the automotive industry, the company was able to ensure that it could react quickly to their needs.
Another consideration was a strong local workforce.

TWL Precision worked with Trident Technology College to develop training modules to enable it to select the best candidates.

* Indian operations - the new Indian company, a joint venture with Uni-Deritend, India's leading manufacturer of investment castings, will be operational by September 2008 in a new purpose built factory in Dharwad.

Uni-Vtl Precision Engineering Pvt aims to be a new force in the market, bringing together two established leaders in their field to offer total lifecycle precision engineered component solutions.
Typical activities in the new factory will include forging, milling, turning, grinding and assembly of precision components such as transmission selector forks, synchroniser rings, and other precision turned and milled components.

Totalling 30,000 ft2 and employing 100 people, the new factory represents a US$ 5m investment, and will be equipped with the latest technology machine tools and test/ inspection equipment.
-----

More information about Uni-Deritend can be found @:
Company's profile - http://www.unideritend.com/
GoK clearance of the project - kumbangalore.com/Project_cleared_pop_up.aspx?id=4356

ISRO, UAS to take technology to farmers’ doorstep

2008-03-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Mangalore, March 21: G Eswarappa, Director of Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, has said that the UAS has tied up with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in order to enable transfer of technology to farmers in the State.Under this arrangement, the UAS will set up videoconferencing facilities at all farm science centres and link them to Raitha Samparka Kendras at the hobli level.Scientists and experts at the centres will interact with farmers at the kendras on a daily basis and give them information on the market set-up and information on demand and supply.The main problem faced by farmers was the lack of information on market trends, which resulted in farmers receiving less money for their produce, he said.Talking to presspersons on the sidelines of “Cashew Field Day” organised by the Agricultural Research Station of the UAS at Ullal-Kapikad near here on Wednesday, Eshwarappa said the project was being implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Stating that the scheme will be launched next month, he said it will become fully operational in the State at a cost of Rs 22.5 crore over the next five years.While the UAS, Bangalore, will link 60 kendras with 17 centres under its purview, its counterpart in Dharwad will link 65 kendras to 12 centres in the first phase, he said. The Union Government has sanctioned Rs 4 crore to each to the two universities, so far, he said.In all, there are 456 kendras under the UAS, Bangalore, and 375 kendras under the UAS, Dharwad, Eshwarappa said. The UAS, Bangalore, has drawn up plans to strengthen activities taken up at the research stations by encouraging them to explore the fields of biotechnology, bio-fuels, organic farming and setting up soil testing laboratories.“The Union Government has agreed to fund a project to provide soil health cards to farmers under the project,” he said. An Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) will be set up to bring about commodity grouping of farmers in the State. While the Agriculture Commissioner will be the nodal officer to oversee the activities of the agency, Eswarappa said the university and the Department of Agriculture will monitor its routine functioning. The idea is to help set up self-help groups (SHGs) in villages for individual commodities. Once there is convergence of such SHGs, it will be easy to provide market linkage to them, he said.A district-level committee headed by the Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayats and a taluk-level committee headed by Executive Officers of the taluk panchayats will monitor the agency at the respective level.While the Union Government will provide 90 per cent of funds for this agency, the State will provide the rest, he added.