Karnataka committed to set benchmark in attracting FDI: CM Yediyurappa
Bengaluru: Pitching Karnataka as the destination for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday said the state government was committed to set a benchmark in this regard, as the state progresses beyond the COVID-19 phase.
Noting that Japan is an important partner for the state, he said in his address to the 'Indo-Japan Business Forum'.
He highlighted the measures taken to build the state as a robust industrialised economy that would be a model for other states.
"Our state is at the forefront of attracting FDI into the country, and I can assure you that we will set the benchmark as we progress beyond the COVID-19 phase," Yediyurappa said.
Referring to the recent NITI Aayog 2019 Innovation Index that placed Karnataka at the top, he said this has been possible due to the availability of quality human resources, reputed higher educational institutions, and a big thrust on research and development.
"This is also assisted and supported by a pro- active administration and conducive investment climate," he added.
To promote the emerging start-up industry eco system, a landmark legislation creating Karnataka Innovation Authority has been passed, he said.
The government has taken steps to ensure investors find it easy to do business, he said.
"We have simplified processes, set up a single- window for investors and engaged in regular discussion with the industry to create a stable, policy-driven environment," the Chief Minister said.
Over the last few months, labour laws have been simplified to attract investments, the Chief Minister said.
Keeping in focus the investor-centric approach, the government launched the New Industrial Policy 2020-2025 to build a prosperous Karnataka and create employment opportunities.
The policy would introduce path-breaking changes like production-linked incentives, he said, adding: "I sincerely believe all the changes we are bringing about and your support will help Karnataka build a robust industrialised economy..."
Stating that Karnataka has set up a Japanese Industrial Township at Vasanthanarasapura near Tumkuru town, Yediyurappa said 519 acres of land have been developed and readied for roads, power, and water supply.
Also, the state has potential in the electronic manufacturing sector and offers many incentives for investors, including 25 per cent capital investment subsidy on land, to boost investments, he said.
A Japan-India Start-up Initiative has been taken up to promote start-ups, he said.
For this, he said a hub was established in Bengaluru by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation) to identify select Indian start-ups for the Japanese market.
According to the Chief Minister, the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement covers trade in goods and services.
He said FDIs from Japan to India increased from USD 1.6 billion in 2017-18 to USD 3.2 billion in 2019-20.
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Two more cases registered against Kharat; over 100 complaints received over phone
Nashik (Maharashtra) (PTI): Two more cases have been registered against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, police said on Saturday, adding that the Special Investigation Team which conducting a probe against him has received more than 100 complaints over phone.
With this, a total of ten FIRs, eight for alleged sexual assault or exploitation and two for cheating, have been registered against Kharat at Sarkarwada police station in the city.
Kharat, who was visited by several prominent Maharashtra politicians over the years, was arrested on March 18 after a woman alleged that he had repeatedly raped her for three years.
On Friday, another FIR was registered against him on a complaint filed by a woman, officials said.
The woman met Kharat for guidance as her relations with the husband were strained and the family was having financial troubles, she told police.
Kharat allegedly told her that she would have to do his every bidding if she wanted a solution to her problems, and sexually exploited her between March 2022 to 2024.
The second FIR registered on Friday was based on a cheating complaint filed by Rajendra Bhagwat, a cloth merchant from Nevasa.
He wanted his business to do well and met Kharat on a relative's advice, Bhagwat told police.
Kharat allegedly took a gold ring and a few gemstones from him and gave him a ring and a gemstone in return, asking him to wear them.
As per Bhagwat, he paid Rs 2.62 lakh for this, but later realised that the ring and gemstone given by Kharat were fake, and he had been duped.
The SIT, which has published two phone numbers for those who want to give any information about Kharat's criminal activities, has received more than 100 complaints in the last five days, most of them from women, a police official said.
But very few of them are coming forward to lodge written complaints, he added.
Kharat is also suspected to be involved in a Hawala racket, the official said.
