K'taka budget does not focus on industrial development: chambers

Industry sector in Mysore is disappointed that the first-ever budget of the JD(S)-BJP coalition government in the state has not made an effort to define clearly on the industrial growth in Karnataka. It is of the opinion that infrastructure development should have received greater attention on par with the industry growth in the state.

Reacting on the budget, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Mysore zone chief P K Talpade said the new government could have been more specific on its industrial policy. It should have shown more emphasis on infrastructure development to give further boost for the state's growth.

"The budget looks like a populist budget. It is trying to focus on different classes. In short, it is aimed at appeasing all sections of the people. Industrial sector would have been happier if there was a greater emphasis on infrastructure," the CII chairman said.

The Mysore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) welcomed the budget, but observed that the 2006-07 budget has made only some passing references to improve infrastructure and for creating industry-trade conducive environment. No innovative time-bound policy proposals with committed allocations are found in it. Emphasis is missing towards two-tier cities and prominent urban centres.

"MCCI is disheartened to note the allocation made for the Mysore-Bangalore railway double track. It is so meagre that the project may not see the light of the day in the near future. There is also no mention on time-bound completion of other major infrastructure projects like Bangalore-Mysore expressway, Bangalore-Mysore corridor project and airport facility, which are lagging behind for years, though these are more basic to Mysore's overall development," said MCCI Secretary A S Satish.

However, he welcomed the budget for laying emphasis on farmers and rural populace with "down to earth policy initiatives."

The local BJP leaders, at a press conference on Wednesday, hailed the budget as an "all-round and all-sector" development budget.

The budget has laid emphasis on economic reforms, simplification of tax issues and cutting down wasteful expenditure. "This is a big step towards taking Karnataka towards further economic stability," said former MLA A Ramadas.

The coalition government has created history by announcing loans up to Rs 3 lakh to farmers at 4 per cent interest. Regularisation of revenue sites and issual of property right documents would be a big boon for those living under uncertainty since over two decades in those layouts, he said.

He denied that Mysore has not received due attention. Apart from allocation for the JNNURM scheme, schemes like Rs 25 crore for Bangalore-Mysore double track, the work on which will commence from Mysore end this time, continuation of acquisition of 1,500 acres earlier intended for the fabcity, development of a peripheral road, besides the ring road, tourism projects to make Mysore a main tourist destination, are included in the budget proposals.

City BJP president Thontadarya said tangible proposals have been made in the budget for farmers. Measures to improve resources by financial control by plugging loopholes are laudable. "Our government will be better than any other government of the past," he remarked.