From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jul 9: Karnataka’s IT, BT, Science and Technology and Planning Minister S R Patil met renowned space scientist and Chairman of Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA), Prof U R Rao and sought his advice on implementing science and technology projects in the State.

The minister paid a courtesy call on Prof U R Rao and discussed topics ranging from nano technology to establishment of IIT and semiconductor corridor in the State.

They decided to meet at regular interval to discuss how the state can be made a hub of science and research field.

The State Government’s IT, BT, Science and Technology Department’s Principal Secretary I N S Prasad was also present during the meeting.

Later, Patil reviewed the various developmental schemes with the heads of Karnataka Biotechnology Information Technology Services (KBITS), Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (KEONICS), Karnataka State Remote Sensing Application Centre coming under his ministry.

The Department Principal Secretary Prasad explained the measures taken to develop IT parks in Tier 2 cities like Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Gulburga and Shimoga.

There were 25 IT companies in Mysore and they were exporting software worth Rs 1633 crore.

As much as Rs. 975 crore of export revenue was generated from 17 IT companies at Mangalore IT Park and the 12 IT units in Hubli were able to generate about Rs. 15 crore of export revenue, he added.

The minister asked the officials to find suitable land at Belgaum and other cities for development of IT parks.

He also directed the officials to rejuvenate IT park at Hubli.

The KEONICS MD Ramachandra, the Department OSD, Jeetendra Singh took part in the deliberations.

The minister is scheduled to visit the IT Park at Electronic City on Tuesday.