Latest news with #KASSIA
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Will strengthen MSMEs to power supply chains: M B Patil
Bengaluru: Emphasising the vital role MSMEs (Micro, Small , and Medium Enterprises) play in large-scale employment generation, Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil said that the state government is focused on integrating MSMEs into the global supply chain. Speaking at the Inaugural session of MSME Conclave- a three-day event organised by KASSIA, FKCCI, and the Peenya Industries Association- Minister Patil said that the MSME sector forms the backbone of Karnataka's industrial ecosystem. He affirmed the government's commitment to fostering its growth through proactive collaboration with the Central Government. ' Karnataka's vision is clear: to become a $1 trillion economy by 2032, powered by our MSMEs. Our objective is to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive industrial future,' he emphasised. 'For the same amount of investment, MSMEs generate significantly more jobs than large-scale industries. For instance, with an investment of Rs 10,000 crore, while large industries might create around 10,000 jobs, MSMEs can generate nearly 1.25 lakh jobs,' the Minister explained. He noted that mega industries require a robust supply chain for efficient functioning, and strengthening MSMEs is critical to meeting this demand. The government will continue to support MSMEs through targeted incentives and industry-friendly policies, he assured. 'Across Karnataka, MSMEs—from cutting-edge startups to traditional manufacturers—are building world-class products, boosting exports, and creating jobs. At the national level, MSMEs contribute 30% to India's GDP, generate Rs 15 lakh crore in exports, and provide employment to over 15 crore people. Karnataka is proud to lead with over 38 lakh MSMEs, setting an example in innovation-led and inclusive industrial growth, Patil remarked. State's new Industrial Policy includes targeted incentives such as capital subsidies, power concessions, and easier land access in backward regions. Through the SME Connect initiative, over 1,800 MSMEs have been engaged on Industry 4.0, with more than 60 already adopting advanced technologies. Platforms like VentuRISE are enabling startups and small manufacturers to scale through mentorship and funding, Minister highlighted. 'We are also expanding industrial infrastructure in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to ensure balanced development beyond Bengaluru. These initiatives aim to boost annual manufacturing growth to 12% and create 2 million jobs by 2029. The government is simplifying approvals, promoting digital governance, and integrating MSMEs into global supply chains—where many are already thriving as suppliers and innovators,' Patil noted. He also acknowledged the challenges MSMEs face—such as access to credit, availability of skilled labour, and testing facilities—and assured that the government is actively addressing these issues through targeted policy interventions. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Minister for Small Scale Industries Sharanabasappa Darshanapura, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shobha Karandlaje, FKCCI President MG Balakrishna, KASSIA President MG Rajagopal, KSSIDC Chairman T Raghumurthy, and MSME Department Director Nitish Patil were among those present.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Power denied to 5,500 Karnataka units over OC rules
Occupancy Certificate Commencement Certificate KJ George We understand difficulties housing and industrial sectors face due to mandatory OC for electricity connections, seeking a practical solution –Energy Minister KJ George While neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh are rolling out red carpets to attract Karnataka-based industries, the Karnataka government has denied electricity connections to nearly 5,500 small-scale industries, citing the lack of(OC) and(CC). This move has triggered widespread concern and backlash from the state's industrial a new regulation effective April 4, the state has made it mandatory for industrial units and sheds similar to residential andcommercial properties—to obtain OC and CC before securing electricity connections. However, small and medium entrepreneurs argue that the rule is arbitrary and has disrupted operations across the to the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA), several units despite completing internal wiring and paying necessary fees—have been denied power solely because they are situated on B Khata or revenue land and lack the required certificates. Many of these entrepreneurs have invested crores in setting up manufacturing units, poultry farms, and dairy operations, only to face critical delays due to power denial.'We fully understand the difficulties that housing and industrial sectors are facing due to the mandatory Occupancy Certificate requirement for electricity connections,' said Energy Minister, addressing growing unrest among industrialists. 'The Chief Minister has already directed the Chief Secretary to study the issue and submit a detailed report. This matter is being taken seriously and is under active consideration in the Cabinet.'George added that while the state is bound by a Supreme Court directive mandating OCs for utility connections, the government is working on a practical solution. 'We are exploring a by-law amendment to mitigate the impact. Once the Chief Secretary's report is submitted, the Cabinet will take a decision that balances legal compliance with public interest,' he government is citing a 2020 Supreme Court ruling (2.170/2020), which instructed authorities not to provide utilities such as water and electricity to buildings without sanctioned plans or those violating building norms. Based on this, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) issued a directive on March 13, instructing all ESCOMs to deny power without industry bodies have pushed back, saying the government is misinterpreting the order. They question why Karnataka is enforcing the rule so stringently while other states continue to encourage industrial activity. Only 6% of industries in the state are located on approved KIADB or KSSIDC plots. The remaining 94% operate from B Khata or revenue lands, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Karnataka CM promises dedicated MSME Department to promote small industries
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Saturday that his government will create a dedicated MSME department — complete with its own Minister, principal secretary and staff — so that small industries get the focus they deserve. Unveiling what he called 'the biggest structural reform for Karnataka's small businesses in decades,' Mr. Siddaramaiah addressed the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) at its platinum jubilee event, declaring that labour, revenue, and industry Ministers would meet within days to discuss this issue. Echoing this, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar promised land, power, and single-window clearances to attract investment and generate 10 lakh new MSME jobs over the next five years. KASSIA president M.G. Rajagopal welcomed the announcements but cautioned that spiralling costs and regulatory hurdles continue to threaten the competitiveness of small industries. In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, Mr. Rajagopal raised issues including an 80% rise in minimum wages, high electricity tariffs, mandatory e-khata for property documentation, stamp duty hikes on mortgages, and the lack of industrial land allocation by KIADB. The memorandum also called for a separate minimum wage policy for MSMEs, a dedicated industrial policy, and fixed electricity tariffs for small enterprises. KASSIA demanded the reduction of stamp duty on hypothecation from 0.5% to 0.1%, with a cap of ₹25,000. The absence of plan approval mechanisms in rural areas, the denial of power connections without occupancy certificates, and exorbitant property taxes were flagged as urgent concerns. KASSIA further urged the government to direct KIADB to ensure 15% land allocation in industrial areas for MSMEs, and to amend the Land Reforms Act to allow KSSIDC to directly acquire and distribute small-sized plots. On e-khata, the association requested simplified implementation and temporary flexibility to enable transactions. Founded in 1949 and representing over 6,000 small-scale units, KASSIA marked its jubilee by launching a B2B e-portal, employment platform, sourcing hub, and a 50,000-sq-ft skill and product center to support rural industrial readiness.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru man arrested for provocative video against PM Modi; sedition charges invoked
A Bengaluru-based man, identified as Nawaz, has been arrested for posting a provocative video on social media that called for a bomb attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, said an official on Tuesday. Nawaz was arrested by the Bandepalya police after they had registered an FIR against him. He has been remanded in judicial custody and sent to the Bangalore Central Jail. Also Read - '15 spirits inside you': Bengaluru woman falls for astrologer's claim, loses ₹5 Lakh Speaking on this matter, Joint Commissioner-East Ramesh Banoth said that sedition charges have been invoked against the accused. The official further said that the accused was previously found to be involved in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Tumakuru. "Two days ago, a social media post criticising PM Modi and negative comments against him were posted from the account named Nawaz on Instagram. In this case, we secured a man and checked his background. We found him to be involved in a previous NDPS Act case. We have invoked sedition charges against him," Banoth told ANI. The accused in the viral video had said, "Why hasn't Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence been bombed yet? He had created this war-like situation when people were living peacefully. He had said that Prime Minister Modi should bomb his residence first." Also Read - Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to inaugurate KASSIA's platinum jubilee celebrations on May 17 Nawaz originally hails from Bandepalya, Electronic City, Bengaluru. He works as a mechanical engineer and has previously been booked under NDPS in Tumkur.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KASSIA urges power agencies to work in tandem to improve power infrastructure in Karnataka
Trade body Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) has urged all agencies allied to the power sector to work together to strengthen the overall power infrastructure scenario of the State. KASSIA, president, M.G. Rajagopal said the power distribution agencies and apex body including Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation, all electricity supply companies (ESCOMS) in the State and Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission should work in tandem to improve the stability of power lines, upgrade transmission equipment and also strengthen the distribution system. ''The industry wants non-interrupted, quality supply of power for which the State should strengthen its power infrastructure including power lines, transmission equipment and also distribution system,'' said Mr. Rajagopal at an interactive session organised by KASSIA here on Monday for power industry stakeholders. P. Ravikumar, IAS., Chairman, KERC and Jawaid Akhtar, IAS, Member, KERC interacted with the members and took note of the issues raised by the participants during the meeting and assured to resolve the issues that come within the purview of KERC Regulations. Speaking on the occasion, S.M. Hussain, Energy Panel Chairman at KASSIA also stressed the importance of increased coordination between KPTCL & ESCOMs in terms of supplying power, plan approval, issuing occupancy certificates, making smart meters optional, tariff misuse, network maintenance, adding there was need to establish a 66/11 KVA Sub Station at Nelamangala.
