Start-up, biotechnology policies to be evolved in Karnataka

Karnataka will put in place new start-up and biotechnology policies to further strengthen the tech ecosystem in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced in Budget 2015-16.
It is proposed to evolve a start-up policy to give further boost to the vibrant start-up ecosystem in the state, he said, adding that a start-up fund and Hack-Cellerator will be also be set up.
Besides, the Chief Minister said that a new biotechnology policy, including Bio-Venture, fund will be evolved.
Siddaramaih, who holds the Finance portfolio, said Bengaluru is the first city in India to provide free wi-fi facility to the public on a pilot basis at selected locations. In the coming year, it is proposed to expand it across Bengaluru city and district headquarters in "phased manner".

He has also proposed to form a 'Vision Group' to formulate necessary programmes to encourage industrialisation in the state.
In addition to that, Karnataka will develop Aerospace Common Finishing Facility (ACFF) to facilitate the MSMEs in the Aerospace Sector in Bangalore Aerospace Park, through the Government of India Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS) with a project cost of Rs 93 crore.

Establishment of an Aerospace Technology Centre (ATC) in Bengaluru on Public - Private - Partnership (PPP) model has also been proposed in the budget.
Siddaramaiah has said the state government is committed to auctioning the iron ore and allot mining leases transparently and Rs 20 crore will be provided to estimate iron ore deposits in 35 areas of mining leases, by Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL) during the year 2015-16.

He said this amount will be collected from contractors who get the lease through auction.
Stating that Karnataka Mining Environmental Restoration Corporation is set up for rejuvenation of mining affected areas in the districts of Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumukuru, Siddaramaiah said "an action plan is prepared for the overall development of mining affected areas."
With a proposal to establish an IT park in Bagalakote, the budget also pointed out that Indian Institute of Information Technology, Hubli-Dharawada - a joint initiative of state and union government - will commence from the academic year 2015-16. The state's share of Rs 12.10 crore will be provided for this initiative.