Deshpande lauds GST

Large & Medium Industries Minister R V Deshpande has stated that the Goods & Services Tax (GST) is a game changer, and it is a good reform keeping its impact on the economy in the long run in view.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the underground drainage line laying work at the Gokul Road Industrial Estate here on Sunday evening, he noted that some problems have emerged while implementing this major reform, and they have to be resolved. But, the concept of the GST is very good, and it was planned during the Congress regime itself, he said.

Industry, agriculture and trade sector should grow for wealth and job creation, for which the government has to provide the infrastructure required. The State Government is promoting the industry sector, while women entrepreneurs are also getting due priority. Karnataka is the most industry-friendly State, while it is in top position in attracting investments, he noted.

In last four years, Rs 182 crore has been provided for the development of industrial estates in Dharwad district, while a women entrepreneurs' park is also coming up at Gamanagatti. Though land acquisition is a difficult task, we have good land bank. Job creation rate in the State is also good. Reforms are brought in the KIADB also, Mr Deshpande noted.

He also assured to extend help to solve the problems of industrialists, and to hold a meeting to resolve the issue of double taxation on the industrial estate.

Investors' meet and vender development programme to be held in Bengaluru on November 23 and 24 is aimed at promoting the MSME sector, he added.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar asked the minister to provide Rs 20 crore to develop roads in the industrial estate, to take steps to solve the problem of both KSSIDC and HDMC collecting tax from the industries, to develop infrastructure at Gamanagatti industrial area, and to further develop the multi-purpose exhibition centre.

MP Pralhad Joshi, MLC Shrinivas Mane, NWKRTC Chairman Sadanand Danganavar, Industries & Commerce Department Director Darpan Jain, NKSSIA President Vishwanath Goudar, KCCI President Ramesh Patil, former MC Shrinivas Mane, Corporator Mahesh Burli, and others were present.