Date:04/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/04/stories/2008060454430500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Tax sops for investment in backward areas suggested

Special Correspondent

CII urges Chief Minister to focus on agriculture, infrastructure

‘Emulate the success of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal in backward areas’
CII wants government to follow recommendations of Agriculture Policy-2006 to generate jobs

Bangalore: A delegation of the representatives of the Karnataka chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) met Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa here on Tuesday to highlight the areas which would attract investment to the State, while promoting inclusive growth.

The delegation led by the Chairman of CII-Karnataka, S. Viswanathan, urged the new government to give “immediate attention” to developing backward areas, focus on agriculture, attract investment in industry and promote infrastructure development in rural as well as urban areas.

Mr. Viswanathan said the new government could emulate the success of Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, where the Union Government had extended tax incentives for investment in backward areas. This had resulted “in a spurt in investment”. He suggested that similar facilities and incentives could be considered for backward areas in Karnataka, to give a fillip to their economic development.

More jobs

Mr. Viswanathan said the recommendations of the Agriculture Policy of 2006 needed to be considered seriously because of its far-reaching suggestions which could result in more jobs to people living in the rural areas.

In the area of labour reforms, the CII demanded that the new government “take a serious look at labour reforms”. In particular, it emphasised the need for changes in the Karnataka Shops and Establishments Act and the Factories’ Act. It urged the Government to bring about reforms which would result in flexible working hours and allow strikes “only when the move is supported by two-thirds of the workers in writing”. The government, it said, “should also consider allowing contract labour in non-core areas.”

The CII has also called for the speedy implementation of infrastructure projects in Mysore. It stressed on the quick completion of Mysore Airport project, doubling of the railway track from Bangalore to Mysore and the completion of the NICE project.