Non-profit company formed to promote industries: Minister

Large and Medium Scale Industries Minister R V Deshpande on Saturday, said that the government has incorporated a non-profit company 'Invest Karnataka Forum' to promote industries in the state.

In a press conference here the Minister said that Karnataka is the most progressive and visionary state in the country and is emerging as the most preferred destination for investments. "The state is much suitable for companies to succeed and the government is committed to provide all support and facilities to ensure ease of doing business. The government is offering the best incentives to attract new investments in the state," he said.

Invest Karnataka Forum (IKF) is a non-profit company established under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries is its Chairman. In addition, the board has eight directors, five from the industry and two bureaucrats.

When the reporters asked whether the cases of violence, reported in the state due to communal issues, will affect the investments, he said, the incidents will not have any impact.

B'luru second capital

The Minister said, "South India too needs a capital and Bengaluru is the best place to be the capital. Bengaluru is not only an IT-BT hub but, a dynamic and hub of education, healthcare, and industries."

Deshpande said that Bengaluru is in no way less than Delhi. It is an opportunity for the Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to utilise the opportunity.

Mysuru tourism

"In order to develop tourism sector and industries in the state, I have urged the Union government authorities to provide direct connectivity between Mysuru and Goa; Hampi to Goa," said Deshpande.

The Minister said that he has asked the authorities concerned to take measures to start air services from Bidar also. "I have approached the authorities of Aviation Ministry to take measures to operate flights between Hubballi-Bengaluru-Mumbai on all seven days in a week. At present, the flights are operating four days in a week.