The Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (Keonics) has successfully completed the ‘multi-storey IT park’ project at Machenahalli Industrial area, 12 km from the city on NH 206. The Rs 12.73-crore five-acre park has a workspace of 75,000 sq ft, but only 30,000 sq ft has been allotted to six local companies so far.
Lukewarm response
Keonics officials said the park was ready for occupation, with only some minor works pending. The project, launched in 2010, has been completed within the stipulated time.
Though engineering graduates of the region expect good employment opportunities at the IT park, a dream project of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, the response from reputed MNCs and IT companies in tier-I cities of the country has rather been lukewarm.
Entrepreneurs from the district blame the department concerned for its failure to give wide publicity about the IT park. No meeting has been conducted to attract investors to the park, apart from the one held in November last year.
T R Ashwathnarayan Shetty, former president of Shimoga District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SDCCI), told Deccan Herald, “Keonics should give attractive offers to IT companies based in metropolitan cities.
“This apart, they should hold national-level investors’ meet in Shimoga to lure reputed companies. The IT forum of SDCCI is ready to offer suggestions to the government in this regard. Keonics can also reduce the rent per sq ft.”
Shivakumar, IT Park project manager, Keonics, said 36 acres of land had been acquired for the Special Economic Zone, out of which five acres had been utilised for the IT park.
“We are not keen to provide office space less than 1,000 sq ft to any company. Some of the companies are demanding 500 sq ft of office space, which will be like a petty shop.
“To attract investors, we have allotted office space for a rent of Rs five per sq ft per month. For non-IT investors, the rent will be Rs 15 per sq ft per month.” Keonics has also set up an Incubation Centre to provide workspace for individuals.
Maruti, manager of the IT Park, said, “We have not taken any decision pertaining to the inaugural ceremony of the IT park. It may be inaugurated next year, but not in 2012.”