Date:07/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/07/stories/2004090702131700.htm

Back Karnataka: 11 mega projects awaiting nod

Our Bureau

Bangalore , Sept. 6

ELEVEN mega projects are lined up for the approval of the high-level clearance committee, which is due to meet here on Wednesday under the Industries Minister.

The clearance committee takes up projects with investment proposals that exceed Rs 50 crore.

The Industries and Infrastructure Minister, Mr P.G.R. Scindia, said the State Government has so far cleared 64 investment proposals worth about Rs 1,400 crore during the May-August period this year.

This was some Rs 600 crore more than projects proposals received during the same period last year.

The Government would encourage projects in tourism and minerals sectors in the coastal areas, he said during an interaction with small-scale industry associations here.

The Karnataka Small Industries Advisory Body chaired by the Minister would encourage regular interactions with between the industry and the Government and come out with policy suggestions to support the growth of SSIs.

Recently, the Dharam Singh Government released Rs 81 crore of the Rs 300 crore due as subsidy to SSIs since 1999.

The second instalment of Rs 65 crore would be released by November this year.

Mr Scindia said 2,128 SSIs were set up with a total investment of nearly Rs 80 crore during the period.

The meeting was organised to get the industries' feedback on simplification of procedures and requirements on infrastructure, financing, marketing, sickness, taxation and other issues related to SSIs.

Participants included presidents and representatives of KASSIA, GMCI, CII, FKCCI and the district level SSI associations.