NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said the state has been powering technology-based development and this will be the biggest contribution to the development of the country. This came while speaking at a conclave ‘What India Thinks Today Global Summit-2022’, organised by a television network in New Delhi.
The CM said that Karnataka has been identified as the growth engine of the country and it has a long history of technological development. “Karnataka is home to the largest number of premier institutions in aerospace, defence and industrial production both in the public and private sectors,” he said.
Highlighting Karnataka’s importance in the country’s economy, Bommai said most of the leading R&D centers ranging from IT and BT to Artificial Intelligence are in Bengaluru. “Karnataka has the highest number of R&D centers. About 400 out of the 500 Fortune companies have their presence in Bengaluru. Karnataka is leading others in IT, BT, aerospace and startups,” Bommai said.
On being asked about the benefits of double engine government, Bommai said, “It is definitely beneficial. Many works will have smooth sailing if the doors of Delhi are open. Policies are framed in Delhi, it is the international gateway, only a double engine government can pave the way to attain international level.”
The CM further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a leader with a long-term vision. He has accorded priority for skill development. “Karnataka is rich in skilled manpower. The Prime Minister has changed the perception of seeing the huge population as a burden to seeing it as an asset, terming it as a ‘demographic dividend’. Karnataka is reaping huge gains from demographic science and its achievement is attracting other states too,” Bommai said.
Bommai further added that the defence sector has a big presence in the state under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission. “DRDO has many research centers in Karnataka. It is the first state to have signed MoUs with leading semiconductor companies. The state will soon start manufacturing semiconductors. This is our strength. So the double engine government is bound to bring huge benefits to the state,” he said.
“We have the highest number of start-ups and unicorns. The policies being framed in Delhi have had a direct impact on Karnataka,” Bommai said. “Karnataka’s ecosystem, R&D base and skilled manpower have proved ideal for setting up and growth of start-ups,” he added. (ANI)