Bangalore: The Karnataka Government has come up with a new industrial policy with focus on developing industrial areas across the State.

The policy, which was approved by the State Cabinet here on Thursday, is expected to be launched on August 29 by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and Minister for Major and Medium Industries Katta Subramanya Naidu. The policy will be in force till 2011. The earlier policy was valid till April last. Briefing presspersons on the proceedings at the Cabinet meeting, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Basavaraj Horatti said as part of the new policy, Rs. 500 crore would be set apart for upgrading infrastructure in all industrial parks promoted by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board and the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Development Corporation.

A high-level Industrial Development Council would be constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister to monitor industrial development and investment. Apart from the Industries Minister, others who would be part of the council are senior officials of departments concerned, industrial experts and the representatives of trade and industry. Stress would be laid on completion of various industrial parks including apparel, food and textiles parks which were in various stages of implementation, Mr. Horatti said.

A committee would also be constituted to promote human resource development (HRD) and a special fund of Rs. 25 crore would be provided for implementing HRD programmes.

The other important decision of the Cabinet included declaring 102 taluks of the State drought-hit based on the reports received from the deputy commissioners of the districts concerned. There were two to five taluks which have been classified drought-prone in 20 districts of the State. The Finance Department has been directed to provide funds sought by the deputy commissioners to arrange drinking water and fodder for animals sought by the people in drought-hit taluks.

Mr. Horatti said the Cabinet directed the district in-charge ministers to hold discussions with local legislators and officials and provide assistance to people in drought-hit villages.

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