Chief Minister of Karnataka speech at the inauguration of new facility at Capgemini Shri S. R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Planning and Statistics, Information Technology and Bio-Technology, Science and Technology, Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Transport Shri P C. Mohan, Member of Parliament, Shri Aravind Limbavali, Legislator from Mahadevapura, Mr Eric Lavertu,French Consul General, Media Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, 1.It’s my pleasure and privilege to be a part of the inauguration of Cap gemini’s New Global Offshore Operations Centre. 2.The fact that another Multi National Company has chosen to expand in Bengaluru, is an indication of the growing importance of the city on the global techno map. 3.Karnataka State took an early lead by announcing several proactive industry initiatives. 4.The first Electronics City in the country was set-up by the KEONICS in about 400 plus acres of land. 5.This has become a major hub for the Information Technology and Electronics industries with about 200 companies employing over two lakh professionals. 6. Similarly, Whitefield has also emerged as an important Information Technology hub in the city. 7.The first iconic International Tech Park was established in 1998 in 68 acres of land in Whitefield, which now houses over 130 Global IT firms, employing over a lakh professionals. 8.The State was the first in the country to announce Information Technology Policy, which has been revised regularly to meet the changing needs of the IT sector. 9.The Karnataka i-4 (Information Technology, Information Technology-enabled Services, Innovation and Incentives) Policy, is the latest in the policy initiatives for the IT sector. The policy is aimed at giving a boost to the growth of IT, particularly in the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities of the State. 10.The response to Start-Ups initiative of the State Government, taken up in association with NASSCOM, has been very encouraging. Bengaluru has emerged as the Start-Ups Capital, next only to the Silicon Valley. 11. Many Start-Ups which are mainly in the data analytics, cloud computing and mobility space are doing extremely well, as can be seen from the flourishing of e-tailing of several businesses. 12.The State Government is serious about promoting the growth of Industry in the State. We have recently announced New Industrial Policy, which is expected to give a big thrust to the manufacturing sector. 13.While we are keen that the Industry expands to other places in the State, we are also looking at providing the necessary facilities for expansion of the industry, particularly Information Technology and Bio-Technology, around Bengaluru. 14.The Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) Project proposed to be developed near Devanahalli, in an extent of 10,500 acres of land, has received the due attention of the State Government. 15.I have reviewed the project and have given directions to Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board to complete the acquisition process for the first phase of 2072 acres of land for the project immediately, if necessary by raising loan from HUDCO for payment of compensation to the land owners. 16. Karnataka State has always been a step ahead of other States in taking industry–friendly initiatives. 17. The IT Task Force under the Chairmanship of Shri N R Narayana Murthy, set up by the Government in the year 2000, suggested several IT industry-related initiatives, which have resulted in the present leadership position of the State in the IT sphere. 18.The Vision Group on IT, under the Chairmanship of Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan, is presently providing useful in puts in evolving the required initiatives for the growth of IT in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities of the State. 19.The State Government is grateful to the leaders in the IT and BT sectors, who have given unflinching support and guidance in creating a conducive environment for the growth of Industry. 20.I take this opportunity of reassuring the IT and BT sectors that the State Government will not be found lagging in providing the necessary infrastructure facilities for their growth and expansion. We will do all that is necessary for the IT sector to flourish. 21.I will always be available for solving any issue that the Industry may have with State Government. The State’s IT sector, which contributes over 1/3rd of IT Exports of the country, has given jobs to over 10 lakhs and is instrumental in creating about 30 lakh indirect jobs, will continue to thrive in the State of Karnataka. 22.I take this opportunity to thank Captains of the IT Industry, Thought Leaders, and all those, who have showcased the best of Bengaluru and the State to the outside World. 23.Nowhere do we see Industry, Academia and Government collaborating to create the right eco-system for the Knowledge sector to grow and thrive. 24.During the 2013-14 financial year, 175 units set up operations investing $ 1.4 billion and with an employment potential of 55,000. Bengaluru will continue to be the preferred destination for IT, Research and Development vis-a-vis Startups. 25.I extend my good wishes to the entire CAPGEMINI team at the new facility. Thank You one and all goo.gl/cNa9RS
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:39:48 +0000