State gets IIT, funds for Hampi site

Karnataka’s long standing demand for an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) was fulfilled by the Centre on Saturday with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announcing one for the state in his budget proposals. 

Jaitley also announced to consider Hampi for overall development as a heritage city. Under the project, several works will be taken up, including landscape restoration, signages and interpretation centres, parking, access for the differently abled, visitors’ amenities and illumination. Funds of Rs 600 crore has been allocated for various tourism-related projects, including Hampi.

To expedite the process of starting an IIT, the State Government has to recommend a suitable location which meets the criteria fixed by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development.

During the UPA regime in 2006, the panel headed by eminent scientist and Prime Minister’s Scientific Advisor C N R Rao recommended Mysuru for setting up the institute.
The then JD(S)-BJP coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy touted Hassan, the home town of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, which was opposed by a section of Congress leaders.

As the differences between the Congress and the BJP raged on, the Centre in 2007 granted the proposed institution to Andhra Pradesh. After the NDA government came to power, BJP leaders from Karnataka lobbied hard for a premier institution for the State. Total fund allocation from the Centre to the State also increased by Rs 8,201 crore at Rs 24,790 crore for 2015-2016 against Rs 16,589 crore in 2014-15.

Bangalore Metro 

For Bangalore metro rail project, the Centre allocated Rs 994 crore as its share for the coming fiscal, slightly higher than last year's Rs 947 crore.