From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 8: The Central public sector undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) is not being privatised and the Centre has not taken any decision on its privatisation, Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh R Nirani informed the State Legislative Council on Tuesday, March 8.

Replying to a question from JD(S) member Govindaraju, the minister said a total of 16,000 acres was under the possession of BEML of which 3,500 acres will be transferred to the State Government for the purpose of establishing industrial area.

Steps are being taken to utilise 979 acres of land for setting up private factories and the SC/ST as well as people belonging economically weaker sections will be given priority in the allotment of industrial sites.

Nirani said the Union Economic Affairs Ministry has decided not close BEML and any decision on shutting down the factory and disposal of land has to be taken by the Centre. The Centre has decided on phased divestment in all Central PSUs in 2016 and BEML presently as 47% capital from the government.

Industrial Townships in all 5 Zones

The State Government has decided to establish industrial townships in five zones in Karnataka as part of the plans to diversify industrialisation in tier two cities, Nirani said.

Answering a question from C N Manjegowda of JD(S) in the Council, the minister said the government planned to establish industrial townships nearer to residential localities in order to help them to enjoy Walk to Work facility.

The Minister said the government has reduced offering special incentives and concessions to entrepreneurs coming forward to set up units in Bengaluru urban and rural districts as part of the diversification of industrialisation to tier two cities.

Under the State’s new Industrial Policy for 2020-25, Kannadiagas must be provided with 70% preference in D grade jobs, he added.