K’taka Government Says Bengaluru is always SEZ-ready

For many years, the Governments of Karnataka, though divided by ideologies, have mostly encouraged industrial growth and the setting up of SEZs. Government of Karnataka dreams of making Bengaluru an SEZ friendly place started back in 1976. The State propelled on its plan to expand the electronics industry by buying 335 acres of land, at one end of the city. It was named Electronics City and would go on to become one of the first technology park initiatives in India.

The Government went on to relax the then prevalent license raj, encouraging companies such as Texas Instrument (TI) to set up its first overseas companies in India. The news of TI entering Bangalore, made news in IT world, particularly in US. It had a cascading effect. Most US-based engineers in 70s and 80s were predominantly South Indians and Bengaluru was to the ideal place to return back. Many IT industries have grown since and Bengaluru now houses 13 IT focused SEZs. Thanks to all the positive and sustainable efforts Bangalore is predicted to be India’s fifth largest metro with a GDP of $127 billion (Mc Kinsey Report).

Owing to the importance of industrial growth, the Karnataka Government has been ever ready to create a positive environment for business growth. Recently when the IT major Infosys decided to pull out of a proposed software development centre project citing lack of infrastructure, the Karnataka Government stepped things up by stating they will initiate all processes to meet the company’s demands.

The good news is that these developments are not restricted to the Silicon Valley of India alone. In 2009, SEZs were proposed in adjoining cities of Mysuru and Mangalore. The then Karnataka Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa said, “We would like to ensure a healthy growth of SEZs. The Government is serious in attracting industrial investments to tier II & III cities, in order to, achieve balanced regional development and to decongest Bangalore.”

Such proactive engagements by the State gives hope to develop more industries, SEZs and employment opportunities. Stylus Serviced Office is happy to be part of this vibrant SEZ friendly city culture.