'New Act to help directly purchase land for SSIs'

Small Industries Minister Satish Jarkiholi said a new act, which would allow deputy commissioners to directly purchase land from farmers, for the establishment of small scale industries (SSIs) would be implemented.

He was speaking to mediapersons after holding a progress review meeting with officials, elected representatives and businessmen at the office of the joint director of industries department here on Wednesday. 

Jarakiholi said, “Some departments can directly purchase land. But small industries department does not have such a provision. So, land is being purchased through Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). The land acquired would be available to the department only after three or four years.

 Hence, the new act is being implemented to directly purchase the land for small scale industries.”

The minister said a bill in this regard would be tabled in the next legislature session. Thee meetings have been held in this regard already, he added.

He said the problems of small scale industries are being discussed from many years in the state. Priority would be given to solve old problems. Industries have not been opened in Malnad region, including Chikkamagaluru, as it is a forest region. A comprehensive plan would be chalked out to set up small industrial estates wherever land is available, he added.

He said Chikkamagaluru is a suitable place to open a coffee cluster for research and new model training. A proposal would be submitted to the Centre in this regard. One hundred acres of land is needed to set up a food park. Efforts would be made to establish the food park if land is available, he added.

Jarkiholi said Ambale industrial estate area is facing water problem.It would solved by supplying Yagachi backwaters.Airport is need for development of industries in any district. Priority would be given to establish a small airport in the city. The airport needs 40 acres of land more, he stated.

Legislator B B Ningaiah and industries department joint director Balyanaik were present at the event.