Industry bodies are clamouring for concrete initiatives in various sectors, which according to them, could propel the country to the pinnacle of economic growth. One such sector is ‘manufacturing’, which, Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) President Vinod K Nowal says needs to be developed.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Nowal said, “Presently, 60 per cent of India’s population depends on agriculture, which in turn contributes around 20 per cent of GDP. With a huge population, there is ample opportunity to develop manufacturing as there is good availability of manpower and the government needs to consider it.”
Adding that the State government has done a lot for the development of IT industry, Nowal said that there is a lot of scope for the development of other sectors as well.
“At the moment, Steel is the largest industry in the State. In order to foster its development for manufacturing, steel production should be further encouraged because it will mean value addition to iron ore. Simultaneously, anciliaries must be set up along with a trained work force,” he said, adding that pelletisation plants, the first stage in the journey of iron ore, should not be encouraged due to its low value addition and the filth it creates in the environment.
For manufacturing to flourish, the State must first bring forth changes in areas of skill creation. “Providing good training facilities, ensuring better skills besides working towards better health and safety of the work force, would improve productivity,” he opined.
Another sector needing attention is infrastructure, which includes roads and power that Karnataka must develop on a district-wise basis. This would secure better connectivity and help manufacturing sector by collectively developing each district and curbing
migration of people, Nowal added.
“The government has been proactive in discussing these issues and their policies have been good, but what is required is quick implementation,” he said. He added that BCIC would work with the government for progress, addressing industrial issues and attracting investment into the State.
“We will facilitate more interactions between the government and industry, so that projects could be executed on a fast track basis, setting the stage for a conducive environment for more opprotunities to be created for investment within the State,” Nowal concluded.