Industry body BCIC welcomes K'taka budget, calls it growth oriented
Bengaluru (PTI): The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce on Saturday welcomed the Karnataka Budget 2026-27, recognising its balanced approach towards fostering economic growth, supporting MSMEs, and enhancing infrastructure development.
K Ravi, Senior Vice President, BCIC and Chairman, International Business Committee. appreciated the government's commitment to strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector through targeted financial incentives, skill development programs, and ease of doing business reforms.
"These measures are expected to boost manufacturing capabilities and create significant employment opportunities across the state," he said, in a statement.
According to him, the budget's focus on infrastructure, including investments in road connectivity, urban development, and industrial parks, tourism and hospitality aligns with BCIC's vision of a robust industrial ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and competitiveness.
BCIC also applauded the emphasis on IT, AI, technology and innovation, which it said will drive Karnataka's position as a leading hub for startups and digital economy initiatives.
While the budget presents ambitious welfare schemes and agricultural support, BCIC said it encourages continued dialogue between industry stakeholders and the government to ensure effective implementation and maximise impact.
BCIC further said that it remains committed to collaborating with the government to facilitate a conducive business environment that promotes investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in Karnataka.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday presented his record 17th budget with a total outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore.
Reacting to the state budget, Karmendra Kohli, CEO, SecurEyes said it sends a strong signal on digital responsibility.
He said in a statement that the proposed social media ban for children under 16 is a timely step but its success will hinge entirely on robust digital identity verification and enforcement mechanisms, which are inherently cybersecurity challenges.
Similarly, the establishment of the Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone and AI Centers of Excellence is exciting, but every AI platform is a potential attack surface, Kohli said.
"As Karnataka accelerates its digital ambitions, cybersecurity cannot be an afterthought; it must be embedded from the ground up. We look forward to the state building on its Cybersecurity Policy 2024 with dedicated budget allocations that match the scale of its tech aspirations," he added.
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KPTCL sets target to complete Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15
Mangaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): The KPTCL has set a target to complete the strategically important Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15, aiming to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply to the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, officials said on Wednesday.
The target has been fixed by the KPTCL (Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited) following the directions of State Energy Minister K J George, they said.
The project, located at Kadandale village in Moodbidri taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, had remained stalled for nearly three years due to land-related litigation affecting the 400 kV transmission line works, officials said.
However, the hurdles were successfully resolved through the sustained efforts of Energy Minister George and Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, they said.
Following the minister's directions, KPTCL Managing Director Ram Prasath Manohar visited the project site on Wednesday to review the progress of the works, according to an official statement.
"Mangaluru is one of Karnataka's key industrial hubs and requires a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. As directed by the Hon'ble Minister, we are working towards completing the project before the onset of the monsoon and commencing transmission operations at the earliest," Manohar said.
According to officials, the Kadandale 400 kV substation is expected to significantly strengthen the power infrastructure of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which are major industrial and commercial regions of the state.
Manohar said the project would provide a long-term solution to recurring monsoon-related voltage fluctuations and low-voltage issues in the coastal belt.
"The new substation will improve grid stability and ensure quality power supply to the region. In the event of a technical fault in any one station, load can be quickly diverted through this substation, enabling faster restoration of electricity supply," he explained.
To expedite completion of the project, KPTCL has planned to obtain line clearance on the existing 400 kV UPCL-Hebbanahalli transmission corridor between May 6 and May 24, 2026, the statement said.
During this period, alternative arrangements have been made to manage transmission loads and maintain supply based on demand conditions, it said.
However, officials stated that short-duration load shedding may become unavoidable under technically exigent situations.
"This project is crucial for the long-term energy security of Mangaluru and the coastal region. We request consumers and the public to extend their cooperation during this temporary operational phase," the KPTCL MD stated.
Minister George said that ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the benefit of the public and the industrial growth of the coastal region is one of the government's top priorities.
"Due to certain legal hurdles, the 400 kV transmission line work was delayed. The department has taken special initiative to resolve these obstacles. The Kadandale substation will ensure high-quality power supply for Mangaluru and Udupi regions," he said.
"The department continuously monitored the land-related disputes affecting the project and ensured timely resolution through coordinated intervention. KPTCL has been instructed to complete the works within the stipulated timeline and dedicate the project to public service at the earliest," Gupta stated.
