Minister Kumaraswamy questions subsidies for Micron technology's Gujarat plant for every job created
Bengaluru: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, from the JD(S) party, has raised concerns over the substantial subsidies allocated to US semiconductor giant Micron Technology for setting up a $2.5 billion unit in Gujarat.
Kumaraswamy questioned the allocation of approximately Rs 3.2 crore in subsidies for each job created by the new manufacturing facility, expected to generate 5,000 jobs.
In a televised address to party workers in Karnataka, Kumaraswamy initially identified Micron Technology before retracting his statement, citing lack of authorization. He emphasized the need to evaluate the justification of such hefty subsidies, which constitute 70% of the company's total investment, contrasting it with support provided to small-scale industries in local industrial estates like Peenya in Bengaluru.
Acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assigning him the steel and heavy industries portfolios, Kumaraswamy pledged to prioritize employment generation nationwide, including encouraging job opportunities beyond Karnataka with a willingness to relocate.
Reflecting on his party's political dynamics, Kumaraswamy criticized the Congress's approach of guarantee schemes in Karnataka, advocating instead for policies that foster self-reliance through job creation. Despite past political friction with the Congress, he expressed readiness to collaborate for the state's welfare and called for setting aside political differences.
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What is Iran’s 10-point plan? Key demands ahead of US talks in Islamabad
Tehran/Islamabad: Iran has outlined a 10-point plan as the basis for upcoming talks with the United States, expected to begin in Islamabad on April 11, according to a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
The plan lays out Tehran’s key political, military and economic demands, and is being seen as a framework for negotiations following the recent escalation in the region.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre
A major focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has proposed “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian armed forces,” which it says would give the country a unique economic and geopolitical position.
The plan also calls for the “establishment of a safe transit protocol” in the Strait that would guarantee Iran’s dominance under an agreed mechanism.
Call to end conflict
Iran has demanded “the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the axis of resistance,” signalling its expectation that hostilities should stop not only in Iran but also involving allied groups in the region.
US troop withdrawal
Another key demand is the “withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the region,” indicating Tehran’s long-standing position against American military presence in West Asia.
Sanctions relief and compensation
The plan places strong emphasis on economic measures. It calls for “full payment of Iran’s damages according to estimates,” along with “the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
It also seeks “the release of all Iranian assets and properties frozen abroad,” which have been a major point of contention for years.
Binding global guarantee
Finally, Iran has demanded that all these terms be formally recognised through “a binding Security Council resolution,” suggesting it wants international legal backing to ensure enforcement.
What this means
The 10-point plan reflects Iran’s broader push for security guarantees, economic relief and regional influence. The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to test how far both sides are willing to negotiate on these demands.
