Kassia seeks varsity for MSMEs in state

Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (Kassia) has urged the state government to set up a university exclusive for micro, small and medium enterprises on the lines of the University of Agriculture Sciences and Health Sciences.

The association, in a list of suggestions submitted to the state government for inclusion in the new industrial policy of the state, has suggested that the university work towards creating next generation of entrepreneurs and impart education on becoming entrepreneurs.

“We have not seen any new small scale units coming up in the state over the last five years. The IT and ITeS industries

have been sucking our engineering graduates and there are not many left to start their own enterprise.

This is mainly because of the high salaries these new economy sectors offer. But, there is a need to create a new generation of entrepreneurs who are well-trained in technology, finance and managerial skills to start their own business,” Arvind N Burji, President, Kassia said.

The MSME university should basically look at creating entrepreneurs and not graduates like in any other university who will go to some company to work for, he told reporters here today.

Among other suggestions to be included in the proposed new industrial policy of the state, Kassia has sought the abolition of trade licence for MSMEs and creation of a secretariat for MSME sector in the state. Industrial associations should be encouraged to develop new industrial estates is another suggestion of Kassia.

Kassia has asked the state government to allot 1,000 acres on the outskirts of Bangalore to develop an industrial estate. “The industry minister has given us a favourable response in this direction and we are waiting for a firm action from them,” Burji said.

An empowered committee with representation to Kassia for monitoring and implementation of the policy has also been suggested.