Karnataka to promote industries in tier-2, tier-3 cities to boost local jobs

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government will promote industries in tier-2 and tier-3 cities through FAR concessions to create local jobs. It also plans 2,000 CSR-funded rural schools and a ‘Yuva Setu’ platform to connect skilled youth with employers

Kalaburagi (Karnataka): Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said his government has decided to promote industries in tier 2 and 3 cities with an aim to generate local employment and prevent rural migration to urban centers.

He said the government is also giving priority to setting up CSR-funded schools in rural areas to provide quality education. “Our objective is to encourage industries in tier 2 and 3 cities to create employment opportunities. We want people in rural areas to find jobs where they live instead of migrating to cities. To achieve this, we have taken several initiatives,” Shivakumar said.

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Speaking to reporters here, he said, “To attract industries to cities such as Kalaburagi and other tier 2 and 3 cities, the government has decided to provide a premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) concession of 0.6 times and permit double FAR. This will allow industries to obtain land at lower costs. Necessary amendments will be introduced through the Urban Development Department.”

The CM noted that to prevent rural children from migrating to cities for better education, the government has decided to establish CSR-funded schools at the Gram Panchayat level.

“Companies only need to invest Rs 10 to15 crore in constructing school buildings and providing infrastructure. Around 2,000 such schools will be built. Companies need not contribute money directly to the government-they should build the schools themselves,” he said, adding that separate guidelines will be issued for recruiting teachers.

Shivakumar said the government has designed the ‘Yuva Setu’ scheme to create a private-sector employment exchange system.
Companies seeking employees can recruit skilled youth through this platform. The government’s Skill Development Department will provide the required training. Companies will also be advised to give preference to local candidates to a certain extent, he said.

The government will not interfere in recruitment, he said. “The extent of local preference will be decided after discussions with company management.”

Responding to the demands of farmers for a loan waiver, Shivakumar said, “Such demands are coming, but loan waivers are not easy. We have implemented loan waivers in the past, even when other states did not, including during Manmohan Singh’s government (at the Centre). We will examine the matter.”

Referring to the SIR process underway in the state, the CM said his government is committed to protecting voters’ rights. “There is no need for us to politicise this issue, nor are we interested in doing so.”

“Others may criticise us, but our commitment is to safeguard every citizen’s right to vote and ensure that government schemes reach the people,” he said.

Pointing out that Congress has raised objections regarding the SIR process before the courts, Shivakumar said, “The opposition assumed we would not cooperate with the SIR process, but despite our differences, we cannot allow citizens to lose their voting rights. Our government is providing a level of cooperation that no other state has extended. However, we will not allow the process to be conducted outside the legal framework.”

Booth Level Officers (BLOs) must contact every household thrice, he added. “Political parties have been allowed to assist citizens through BLO Level-2 representatives in filling out application forms. BLOs must carry out the process strictly according to Election Commission guidelines.”

Reacting to opposition charges that officials are being pressured during the SIR process, the CM said, “Officials are working as per the Election Commission’s guidelines. We will not interfere in the process. It is the responsibility of the central government to conduct it, while our responsibility is to provide the required staff, and we are doing so.”