Dharwad: The state govt is committed ensure employment to Kannadigas in industrial sector and it has brought in a new policy regulating the industries setting up their units in Karnataka to reserve jobs for Kannadigas, said industries minister MB Patil. Speaking to reporters in Dharwad recently, he said that as per the new policy, the industries have to reserve 55% of jobs for Kannadigas in A and B categories, while the reservation in group C and D is capped at 75%.The industries too have agreed to the concept and hence emphasis has been laid to provide more employment opportunities to Kannadigas, he said.Patil stated that the Global Investors’ Meet has been a success. It attracted proposals worth Rs 10 lakh crore. “We expect at least 70% of these proposals turn into a reality and the department is constantly following up with the companies”, he added.The govt, in a bid to correct regional imbalance and facilitate setting up of industries in tier-two cities, has launched ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ scheme. The GIM too has focussed on this policy. 75% of the proposals have been asked to look for land outside Bengaluru and 40% of them in North Karnataka. Therefore, there will be industrial boom in North Karnataka very soon, he added.On FMCG cluster in Hubballi-Dharwad, Patil acknowledged that the land prices have shot up and the govt has nothing to do with it. Many farmers whose lands were identified for acquisition have moved to the courts seeking better compensation. Based on the verdicts of the courts on compensation, the KIADB has fixed the final price. However, the department is in constant touch with firms willing to set up FMCG units, he added.Patil said NIDAC has set up its plant at Belur Industries in Dharwad and the plant has come up with an estimated cost of Rs 600 crore. It will generate 800 direct and 900 indirect employment thus supporting 3,000 families. The company which manufactures batteries and convertors in collaboration with Japan and France has plans to expand its operation and will generate over 4,000 employment in next two years, he said.The product will be exported to US and other countries.
