Govt to form sub-groups to focus on industrial growth in state

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday announced the constitiution of five sub-groups, including one for the development of infrastructure in Bengaluru, for giving an impetus to the industrial growth in state.

Siddaramaiah, who chaired the first meeting of the Vision Group for industrial development, said the sub-group for the development of infrastructure in Bengaluru has been tasked with preparing a detailed report on addressing the problems of infrastructure.

The sub-group will co-ordinate with a separate Vision Group and a Task Force will be set up to look into issues related to infrastructure in the state capital, he added.

“Bengaluru is facing infrastructure problems and it is really a challenge to bridge the gap between growth of industry and the quality infrastructure in the city. The government is not keeping quiet and doing its best to add sheen to the charisma of Brand Bengaluru by achieving effective convergence of the grants given to Bengaluru through different institutions (sic),” he stated.

Another sub-group will look into issues related to infrastructure at the state level. This sub-group will hold consultations with all sectors of the industry in the state. Besides, sub-groups for manufacturing, including automobile and aerospace, textiles and garments and electronics and e-commerce have been set up. The sub-group members will prepare short-term action plans for the growth of the sector, he added.

‘Implement BRTS’

Briefing the media about the Vision Group meeting, Industries Minister R V Deshpande said the members gave a number of suggestions to the government on easing traffic congestion in Bengaluru. The members asked the government to implement the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) in Bengaluru to ensure smooth traffic. The Urban Development Department will examine the suggestion, he added.

The government was asked to take measures to implement the peripheral ring road project, construct elevated roads and widen roads in Whitefield. Besides, it was suggested to develop Bengaluru-Mysuru corridor and Bengaluru-Bidar corridor. Some members opined that pressure on Bengaluru can be eased by encouraging development of industries in other cities and towns, he added.

‘State ready to pass GST’

On the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Deshpande said the state government will extend its co-operation to the Centre. “We are ready to pass a bill. The ball is in the centre’s court,” he added.

‘Taxation issue to be solved by Sept’

IT&BT Minister Priyank Kharge said the government has set a target to resolve the long-standing issue of taxation with e-commerce companies by the end of September, this year. “We have been holding meetings with the companies. We have set a target for ourselves to solve the issue of taxation by the end of next month. An issue pertaining to their warehouses will also be sorted out soon,” he added.