Udyog Mitra makeover mooted to hasten clearances

To further enhance speedy clearance of investment projects, the Government of Karnataka plans to bring all concerned departments under the one roof of Udyog Mitra.

In an interaction with Deccan Herald, Industries and Tourism Minister R V Deshpande said the initiative is part of taking on board various government departments so that the process is made easier.

“Today I had a meeting with a group which we recently constituted — working group of industrialists and officials — for attracting investors and improving infrastructure. We have noticed a delay in clearance and implementation of projects,” he said.

The Minister admitted that though the state has its own industrial policy and sector-wise policy to attract investors, implementation is disjoined.

“We want to remedy this and the government is ready to take constructive action. It will be a first of its kind in the country such that clearances can be made easier and deliveries are assured,” Deshpande said.

As part of this initiative, each department would send an official to work with Udyog Mitra. “It would be a separate wing in the Udyog Mitra where we would have representatives from the Labour Department, Power Department, Pollution Control Board, etc.,” he said.

Deshpande said power would be delegated to the industry secretary to look into all these issues. “We will come up with a solution in this regard soon,” he said.

Karnataka had started Karnataka Udyog Mitra as a single-window clearance agency for investments into new projects. But the experience of MNCs and Indian firms with Udyog Mitra was disappointing. Hence the new initiative on Udyog Mitra.

Global destination tag

Deshpande said the primary goal of Invest Karnataka 2016, the global investors meet during February 3 to 5, is to make Karnataka an Indian and global destination for investment. He said Karnataka started the global investors meet programme in the country for the first time in 2000.

“Investment can only create wealth in a state. It will create jobs for youth. Since all states are working with the agenda of welfare programme, investment is required to discharge their duties,” he said.

He said the state has shown this since the days of Mysore Maharaja who allotted 2,000 acres of land to Walchand Hirachand to start business.

“The state, specifically Bengaluru, gained this stature because of its rich human resources and innovation culture. We have the advantage of good climate, stable government, talent pool. Karnataka’s investments cannot be challenged. But the only constraint is infrastructure,” he said.

He said the government has taken conscious steps to ease traffic by disbursing manufacturing to tier-2 cities. Regarding Bengaluru infrastructure, the Minister said the government is planning another dedicated road to the airport, even as tender process for two new flyovers has started.

Ekolog signs MoU

Poland-based clean technologies firm Ekolog on Thursday signed an MoU with the Karnataka government to kick-start products and solutions in the segment. As per the agreement, Ekolog will invest $50 million to establish a special high technology equipment factory and create a research and training  centre. The MoU was signed between Eklog Director Robest Jans and Additional Chief Secretary to Government Commerce and Industries K Rathna Prabha in the presence of Minister for Industries and Tourism RV Deshpande.

R V Deshpande: It would be a separate wing in the Udyog Mitra where we would have representatives from the Power Department, Labour Department, etc. Power would be delegated to the industry secretary to look into all these
issues