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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
89 killed as storm, rain batter UP; relief work underway
Lucknow (PTI): At least 89 people were killed after a strong storm and heavy rain pounded several districts of Uttar Pradesh, uprooting trees and electric poles and damaging houses, according to the Relief Commissioner's office.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the loss of lives and damage caused by the unseasonal rain, thunderstorms and lightning on Wednesday and directed officials to ensure relief reaches the affected families within 24 hours.
In a post on X on Thursday, the Relief Commissioner's office said, "Due to bad weather on May 13, including storms, rain, hailstorm and lightning, reports of 89 deaths, 53 injured persons, 114 livestock losses and damage to 87 houses have been received in the state, which has been taken cognisance of by the Hon'ble Chief Minister."
It said the chief minister has directed all divisional commissioners and district magistrates to verify the incidents "with full sensitivity" and ensure financial assistance is distributed to affected families within 24 hours while establishing direct communication with them and extending other necessary help.
The Relief Commissioner's office said it is continuously monitoring the situation through direct coordination with district officials and necessary funds are being made available to districts.
According to a list issued by the Prayagraj district administration, seven deaths were reported in the Handia area, four in Phulpur, three in Soraon, two in Meja and one in Sadar due to the storm and rain.
In Bhadohi, district administration sources said at least 16 people died in storm-related incidents.
Additional District Magistrate Kunwar Virendra Kumar Maurya said trees and electric poles were uprooted in several areas while many houses were damaged in the storm.
Fatehpur Additional District Magistrate Avinash Tripathi said nine people were killed and 16 injured in storm-related incidents in the district.
"Eight people, including five women, died in Khaga tehsil, while a woman died after a wall of a house collapsed in Sadar tehsil," he said.
In Pratapgarh, four people died in separate incidents of wall and cemented shed collapses and lightning strikes amid strong winds and rain, officials said.
Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhukar said Bhim Yadav (25) died after he was trapped under the debris of a cemented shed that collapsed in Ojha Ka Purwa village in the Lalganj Kotwali area.
He said Bhushan Pandey (56) died after a wall collapsed in Sari Swami village under the Baghrai police station area.
Bhukar said Shanti Devi (46) of Narangpur village and Lal Bahadur (44) of Chhatrapur Shivala Raghna village also died in storm-related incidents.
In Kanpur Dehat district, two persons died in rain-related incidents, the officials said.
Police sources said a 19-year-old woman, Ruchi, died after being struck by lightning in Bhauthari village under the Rasulabad area while standing under a neem tree with goats during heavy rain. Several goats also died in the incident.
A 60-year-old man standing nearby was injured, they added.
Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) Dushyant Kumar said reports regarding human and livestock losses have been sought from local officials and financial assistance will be provided as per government rules.
In Deoria, Komal Yadav (62), a resident of Bhimpur Gaura village, died after being struck by lightning, district administration sources said. Two others were injured in the incident.
In another incident, Ramnath Prasad (65), a resident of Neruari village, died in a lightning strike.
In Sonbhadra district, Madhav Singh (38) died after being trapped under a tree uprooted during the rain and the storm.
Adityanath directed the district magistrates and officials of various departments to visit the affected areas and provide all possible assistance to the victims and their families.
He also instructed the officials to remain alert and ordered the revenue and agriculture departments, along with insurance companies, to conduct a survey of the damage and submit a report to the government.
