Karnataka assures Murthy of support to IT industry

The Karnataka government Tuesday assured Infosys chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy of its support for the IT industry's growth and expansion across the state.

The assurance was made by IT, BT, Science & Technology Minister S.R. Patil when he called on Murthy and interacted with the global software major's executives and staff at its campus on the city's outskirts.

"The state government is committed to the further growth of the knowledge sector, especially IT and biotechnology, and will do everything to maintain the state as the premier investment destination," Patil told Murthy.

The minister also assured the state support in enabling Infosys expand its operations in the state after Murthy hinted of setting up a new software development centre at Hubli-Dharwad in the northern region, about 410 km from here.

"The IT sector can generate thousands of jobs with minimum land and power compared to other industries. Bangalore contributes about 50 percent to the state's gross domestic product (SGDP) with the IT sector accounting for the lion's share," Murthy said on the occasion.

Patil also lauded the IT industry in the state for contributing around 36 percent of the country's software exports.

Later, the minister interacted with members of the Electronics City Industries Association and assured them of improving the infrastructure facilities and civic amenities in the electronics city, about 30 km from here.