From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Aug 5: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai discussed closer cooperation and collaboration between Karnataka and United Kingdom among institutions in the education sector and also for the development of infrastructure facilities.
The discussion on strengthening closer cooperation in different sectors with UK took place when the British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis called on the Chief Minister in his office on Thursday.
Bommai impressed upon the British envoy to ensure that UK companies took advantage of the investment-friendly policies of the State Government by investing in the State.
Pointing out that Karnataka is one the most progressive State, the Chief Minister said the State Government had very conducive policies for investment and speedy clearances for starting enterprises. The State has made rapid strides in education and technology with the best skilled manpower. Several UK-based companies have established in the State with substantial investments.
The Chief Minister said Karnataka was home to more than 80 multi-national companies and has a large number of hi-tech research institutions. Bengaluru has been hailed as India’s Silicon Valley with its prowess in information technology and bio-technology, he said.
Discussions on building up greater collaboration in the fields of education, health and climate change were held in the meeting.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Bengaluru Jeremy Ford, State Ministers R Ashok and Dr C B Ashwath Narayan, Chief Minister’s Secretary V Ponnuraj, Commerce and Industries Department Commissioner Gunjan Krishna and other senior officers were present.
Committed to Implement Mekedatu
The Chief Minister, while speaking to media representatives in the morning, declared that the State Government was committed to implement the Mekedatu project and expressed full confidence that the State will get all necessary clearances and approvals from the Centre.
Making it clear that Karnataka cannot be swayed merely because of politically motivated protests or pressures mounted by the neighbouring Tamil Nadu, he described the Mekedatu project as a most vital project aimed at meeting part of the drinking water supplies to Bengaluru and surrounding places besides generating power.
“The State is well within its rights to utilise the surplus water and Tamil Nadu cannot claim its rights over it,’’ he said.
Welcomes MLA Mahesh to BJP
Later, the Chief Minister visited the BJP office in the city and welcomed the Kollegal independent MLA N Mahesh into the ruling party.
Bommai, who visited the State BJP office for the first time after becoming the Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel.