Rs 11 cr worth projects get nod

Katti family among 24 beneficiaries

 The State High Level Clearance Committee, headed by Chief Minister Yeddyurappa, cleared 24 of 40 projects which were before the Committee. The Committee deferred decision on the rest of the proposals.

Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, briefing the media after the meeting, said the Government was expecting creation of 60,138 jobs from the projects. Those projects approved include four projects each in sectors - Iron and Steel, Agro processing and Hotel/Tourism. The Committee approved three power projects and two projects in sugar sector.

The Committee approved Vishwanath Sugar Ltd, run by Umesh Katti’s family, to enhance its capacity from 2,500 TCD to 5,500 TCD (tonnes crushed per day). Similarly, Belgaum-based Sree Renuka Sugars has been sanctioned an approval to enhance its capacity from 5,000 TCD to 10,000 TCD.

Approvals

Karnataka Steel Pvt Ltd has obtained an approval to set up an integrated steel plant with a total investment of Rs 1,800 crore in Haveri and promised to offer employment to 900 people. The Gurgaon-based Maharashtra Seamless Ltd has bagged the approval to set up a unit for sponge iron, pig iron and seamless pipes in Koppal with the total investment of Rs 600 crore. Similarly, Sri Kumaraswamy Minerals Exports of Bellary has obtained to set up a sponge iron unit at Bellary with an investment of Rs 90 crore.

The minister said, the Committee approved one special economic zone for IT/ITES in Mysore for Larsen & Turbo. The company would be investing Rs 615 crore and creating about 11,000 jobs. After getting clearance from the SHLCC, now it is the responsibility of the promoters to get clearances from the departments concerned for their projects.

The Government has made it clear to the promoters that they have to implement the project within two years. “If the companies fail to show progress even after two years, the Government can withdraw the approval. The Department of Industries and Commerce has identified 40 companies which failed to implement the project even after two years. We will serve them notice seeking their clarification. If the delay was justified they will be allowed some more time. Otherwise, lands granted will be withdrawn,” he said.