Mangalore: Coastal Development Summit Attracts 37 Industries, Investment Worth Rs 1,506 Cr
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal / Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Jan 4: Chief minister Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday January 4 said that there is conducive environment for the growth of industries in the coastal districts, therefore extensive support will be given to the investors.
He spoke after inaugurating the two day coastal business development summit organized at T V Ramana Pai Hall in the city.
"Through this summit, Rs 1506 cr investment is expected, and already 37 industrialists have come forward to invest," he said and added, "At the same time, there is a need for considering environment-friendly industries."
He admitted that though the education sector has seen a boost in coastal districts, lack of support shown to bring industries have hindered several opportunities for graduates here, which in turn has led them to head towards foreign countries or other states in the nation.
Pointing out that satisfactory amount of investment flowed into the state during 2010 Global Investors' Meet, the CM noted that in the coming investors meet to be held on Jun 7 and 8, Rs 6,00,000 cr investment is expected. "Industries minister Murugesh Nirani has already visited various countries to discuss about the investors meet and invited the investors from there. Being a native of this district, I will ensure that industries will be developed here on priority basis, he said.
Financial aid has been sought from the central government for the construction of Mangalore-Bangalore four-lane road. By January end, the road will be made commutable for vehicles, he said, and added, "Rs 6 crore has been released by the state government for concreting this stretch of road. We are in touch with the centre for more funds."
It may be noted that all 37 companies mentioned by Sadananda Gowda in his address signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 1,506 crore by evening.
'Nirani is like a needle'
CM Sadananda Gowda lauded industries minister Murugesh Nirani by comparing him to a needle that can stitch anything, anytime. "Nirani has succeeded in attracting more number of investors than expected," he said.
Three major MoUs were signed by bilateral parties after the inaugural session. MRPL signed a deal with Joshi for a mega project costing Rs 1100 crore, Ayesha company signed a deal for a project worth Rs 105 crore and BMS Pvt Ltd company signed for a project worth Rs 25 crore.
Higher education minister V S Acharya, education minister Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri, district in charge minister Krishna J Palemar, deputy speaker Yogish Bhat, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik among others were present.
Chamber of Karnataka commerce and industries president J R Bangera welcomed.
MLAs walk out
Amidst all the talk of investing and developing the district industrially, a small controversy too took place, resulting in three MLAs staging a walkout.
During the programme, the organisers called Congress MLAs Abhayachandra Jain, Ramanath Rai and U T Khader to the stage. They obliged, only to find later that there were no seats arranged for them. Angry and feeling insulted, all three walked out and did not participate further in the proceedings.