Row over park, a misinformation campaign: CM

By Our Staff Correspondent

MANGALORE, SEPT. 28. The Chief Minister, Mr. S. M. Krishna, has expressed the hope that the misunderstanding over the issue of bio-technology park in Bangalore can be sorted out. At a press conference here today, he said the entire issue was a misinformation campaign and he would settle the matter soon after reaching Bangalore.

Earlier, at the inaugural ceremony of the six-storeyed Infosys Mangala, Mr. Krishna said that information technology and bio- technology were progressing even in recessionary conditions. The State Government was trying to make the fruits of bio- technology reach every strata of the society - either directly or indirectly.

At the press conference, Mr. Krishna expressed reservation over the `confusion' regarding the drought package from the Centre and the State's preparedness to face the situation. He said he was aware of the problems caused by drought. Rs. 900 crores had been sought from the Centre to take up relief works. If that was not sufficient, the State would not hesitate to ask for another Rs. 100 crores.

Asked about the extension of lease to the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL), he said the issue was before the Union Government and the judiciary. The State Government would wait for the verdict of the Supreme Court on the issue before taking a decision.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Chairman of Infosys Technologies, Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, said the company had grown to a Rs. 17,000-crore organisation. He said 97.5 per cent of the revenue of Infosys was from sales outside the country.

The company was making efforts to create more `quality employment' opportunities.

Mr. Mohandas Pai, Chief Finance Officer, Infosys, said the company earned a revenue of Rs. 155 crores last year. During the first quarter of this financial year, the revenue was Rs. 55 crores.

Mr. Nandan Nilakeni, Managing Director, Infosys, welcomed the gathering. Mr. Narendra Koduvatatt, head of the Mangalore centre, proposed a vote of thanks.

The Infosys Mangala has a floor area of 1.8 lakh sq.ft. and 980 work stations. At present, 850 persons are employed in the facility. According to Mr. Koduvatatt, the centre is servicing 46 international clients that includes several top- line companies such as Apple Computers, Adidas, Ikon Office Solutions, North- Western Mutual, Reebok, Sun Micro Systems, Polo Ralph Lauren, Toshiba, and Dell.

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Section  : Southern States
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