We are trying to attract industrial investment in North Karnataka, says Deputy Chief Minister

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara speaking to reporters at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Wednesday. | Photo credit: PK BADIGER

The state government is taking several steps to attract industrial investment in North Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said in Belagavi on Wednesday.

“It is true that several corporates are choosing Bengaluru for industrial investment. But we are offering tax concessions, providing land, water and power supply to those who are willing to invest outside Bengaluru. But the decision to invest in North Karnataka or other places outside the state capital has to be made by the investors. It is not easy to attract investment outside Bengaluru,” he told reporters.

To a question, he said Karnataka should not compare itself with states like Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu in industrial development.

“It is possible that Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu or other states have managed to get industrial investment in second-tier cities. But Karnataka’s industrial development is far ahead of them as we have the second largest industrial output and are among the highest GST collections in the country,” he said.

To a query, he said the state government would consider a proposal to scrap the amendments brought by the Basavaraj Bommai government that allowed anyone to buy any amount of agricultural land in the state.

“Most of our laws are in line with the laws introduced by the Union Government. Since the Union Government changed the land acquisition laws, several land laws have been amended by successive governments in Karnataka. However, we have received some feedback that the amendments which removed Sections 79 A and B of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act have made poor government owners vulnerable and that some who have influence over inclusion in Congress, they are forced to return the land to them. provisions that protected the land of the poor, a condition to allow only farmers or farmers’ children to buy farm land and set land caps for individuals buying farm land We have fulfilled most of our campaign promises, but more are being considered,” he said.

Dr. Parameshwara, who served as the chairman of the Congress manifesto committee, said that most of the short-term assurances had been fulfilled in the last three years, but some were yet to be fulfilled.

“Of the 590 promises made in the manifesto, we have fulfilled most of them. Of the long-term assurances, the most demanding are the provision of universal irrigation facilities and the attraction of industrial investments in all regions of the state,” he said.

Published – 01 Jul 2026 20:07 IST