Karnataka to set up IT Parks in tier II cities

Source: http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=97916

BANGALORE October 21, 2008: Karnataka Government has now decided to set up Information Technology (IT) parks in second tier cities such as Shimoga, Gulbarga, Belgaum, Mysore, Mangalore and Hubli-Dharwad to attract investment both domestic and foreign in the software sector.

Minister for IT/BT Katta Subramanya Naidu told journalists on Tuesday that a decision has been taken to set up the IT Park near the Bangalore International Airport Limited, Devanahalli.

BJP Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa will conduct Bhoomi pooja for IT parks in Shimoga, Gulbarga, Belgaum, Mangalore and Hubli-Dharwad in November. The foundation stones will be laid for IT parks in Myore and Bangalore in December, he said.

The government has already set up IT parks in Mangalore, Hubli and other parts of the State. There was no space for IT firms in the existing park at Hubli and Mangalore, he said.

The Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) would build IT parks in the next 20 months. The IT Park at Devanahalli would be developed on public-private partnership (PPP) model by Jain Heigts, a city-based software company at a cost around Rs. 80 crore. The Karnataka Industrial Development Board would acquire land from farmers, he said.

The Government has also decided to establish an IT/BT Authority soon. The authority will only handle proposal of IT/BT companies. A Bill would be placed before the coming session of the legislature, Mr. Naidu said.

Bangalore IT.biz 2008, an annual exhibition will be held for three days from November 6 at the Palace Grounds in the City, he said.

Mr. Naidu, who is also the Minister for Excise, said the government has decided to come out with a new licensing policy for opening of liquor shops (CL-2) and bar and restaurants (CL-9) in rural areas. A committee has been set up to draft the policy, he said