Industry urges K'taka govt to focus on development

CII believes that the issue of simplification of investment procedures is one of the major challenges facing the state

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Friday said, the new government in Karnataka should work actively on development of rural infrastructure, simplification of investment procedures, development of Tier II & III cities and focusing on manufacturing industry.

In a meeting with the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, CII said that it will work together with the government on bridging the regional imbalances, linking rural and urban economies and fostering inclusive growth.

Soumitra Bhattacharya, Chairman, CII Karnataka urged the Government to address issues relating to the agrarian economy, linking the rural and urban economies through value chain, development of Mysore and other Tier II & III cities, single window system and manufacturing & industrial corridors.

The focus is to develop Mysore as a Model Tier II city and showcase it to the rest of the State. The industry body believes that the issue of simplification of investment procedures is one of the major challenges facing the state and urged the CM to address the primary issues that the industry faces in relation to the single window system. Further, CII urged the government to take a priority based approach to improving the logistics and supply chain for the food processing industry.

It recommends an empowered committee to be created, in which CII members are included, to tackle the critical road blocks that prevent rural Karnataka to gaining access to the fruits of development in the state. Focus on Bangalore's eco-system is a much needed imperative which the industry has recommended to the government to take as top priority. Improving connectivity and reducing congestion on the roads would be a boon to Bangaloreans. The issues related to water bodies are also a cause for major concern. CII has proposed to the State to set up a water taskforce with a clear mandate to bring the impending water problems of the State to a speedy resolution.

CII has put forth to the government to speed up the progress on the Bangalore - Chennai Corridor, Mumbai - Bangalore Corridor and also focus on connecting the north and south of Karnataka through a specific North - South Diamond corridor.