Develop phase 2 of Bykampady Industrial Area: KCCI

KCCI President Vathika Pai said that the chamber will urge the State government to develop phase 2 of Bykampady Industrial Area in the Jesco land.

Briefing reporters here on Wednesday, she said that making smaller plots of the two acre and one acre would help in supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region.

There is a huge demand for industrial lands at Bykampady because of the proximity to the port and NH 66. There is a lot of demand for smaller plots from SMEs who are paying exorbitant rent, rendering their units unviable. A single window clearance facility to support entrepreneurs would help the upcoming SMEs in the region, she said.

About 348 acre land is available in Bykampady. If the KIADB distributes at least half of the land, then it would benefit the SMEs in the region, she felt.

She said that Bykampady Township Authority proposal is ready and would be submitted to the state government shortly.

Vathika said that KCCI will continue to represent to the authorities concerned to shift the CRZ headquarters to Mangaluru instead of Bengaluru. "Its presence in this coastal area is what is required and not in a city which has no coastline at all," she said.

Incubation centre

She said that the first start-up incubation centre at Mallikatta in the city will be ready shortly. The KCCI has been continuously monitoring the work. She said the Centre would offer start-ups space and necessary infrastructure at nominal rates. "The authorities have received six applications for the start ups. Three have confirmed," she said.

Tourism

To promote tourism, the KCCI will continue demand for the setting up of a separate Karavali Tourism Development Authority to develop tourism and other related activities.

The Authority could develop and showcase the pristine beaches and waterfronts of this region, where adventure water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and also house boats and beach resorts can be developed.

The Unique Cuisine of the Karavali region which we are known for, could also be promoted to add the much deserved charm to this region.

A Tourist Information Centre in the heart of the city will be of great help to thousands of foreign tourists coming to Mangaluru. It could have currency exchange, booking counters for taxis, food courts, travel advisers, etc, she said.

To promote women's empowerment and entrepreneurship, the KCCI is planning to have a workshop on women empowerment in association with the US consulate shortly.

Tour operators affected

Stating that the tour operators are suffering following the implementation of GST, she said that earlier, the tour operators would claim input tax credit for the services. Now the cost has increased.

The KCCI has been demanding the State government to subsume all levies and cess such as APMC cess into the ambit of the GST to avoid undue hardship and disadvantages to the traders in the state.