PRESIDENT, KASSIA
KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT’S POLICY FRAMEWORK IS A BOON FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT “The prospects for industrial growth in Karnataka can be rated ‘A+’ with the existing framework of collaborative functioning of large, medium, small and micro industries coupled with a vast reservoir of industrial talent,” says SS Biradar, President, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA), during an interaction with Shivani Mody. Excerpts… discipline, by and large, in micro & small enterprises (MSE) sector is a positive aspect of self-regulation and entrepreneurial competence.
FUTURE GROWTH PROSPECTS
INDUSTRIAL GROWTH The manufacturing sector in Karnataka has witnessed considerable growth in the recent years. A conducive ecosystem, industrial environment, institutional framework and policy support have been the drivers of all-round industrial growth in the state. However, while considering development in the state, it is important to focus on rural development as well. Karnataka’s urban areas are deficient in social, commercial and technical infrastructure, while in the rural areas information and guidance support, together with climate for cluster development and physical infrastructure are not adequate to satisfy growing needs. The manufacturing sector faces certain challenges and opportunities as well. Some of the major challenges faced are on the account of competitive environment, fastchanging designs and technology. However, steeply increasing demand, talents and skills together with specialised market needs are some of the factors, which help the sector thrive in this age.
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To enhance growth, the government has to play a major role in assisting companies in processing local information of institutional assistance, unutilised resources, wide range of skills and professional support.
ADVANTAGE FROM OTHER FRONTIERS The development of IT, biotechnology and pharma, among other sectors has been supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector. Additionally, the contribution of knowledge-based industries towards increasing productivity and resources has emerged as a special ingredient in ensuring robust industrial growth. This phenomenon will continue in the coming years.
LABOUR REGULATIONS Labour regulations in micro and small industries do not form a major bottleneck except in instances where there is inadequacy and deficiency of skills – multiple skills and advanced technology – in certain product and process domains. Industrial
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The prospects for industrial growth in Karnataka can be rated ‘A+’ under the existing framework of collaborative functioning of large, medium, small and micro industries coupled with a vast reservoir of industrial talent. The recently held global investors meet has been very promising. Even if 50 per cent of the probable Rs 4 lakh crore investments materialise in combination with the growth momentum at present, the state can expect a dramatic transformation of the industrial anatomy in the broad spectrum of infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism and mining.
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT The government’s policy framework is a boon for industrial development. However, for effective results, the implementation issue has to match the policy stipulations. There is a need for strategic planning to identify urban suburbs, rural potential tracts, institution linkage with development, coastal and Malnad area resources. A focus on North Karnataka region is also required to compile opportunity scanning and development treatise, with professional expertise.