Privatisation of BEML in Kolar ruled out: Nirani

3500 acres of land to be used for industrial purposes

Nirani to hold talks with Union Mines Minister in Delhi on March 10

Bengaluru, March 9: Putting an end to the speculations over Kolar’s BEML factory, Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani on Tuesday denied any move to hand over the factory to private companies. He said BEML is under Centre’s control and nobody should pay heed to rumours.

Replying to JD(S) MLC Govindraju’s question in the Council, Nirani said khata (deed) for 12500 acres in BEML’s 16000 acre land was done. “Centre has agreed to hand over 3500 acres to State government for industrial purposes. We have conducted another drone survey and this report will be submitted to the Union Minister. I will hold talks with Union Mines Minister in Delhi on March 10 and take next decision”, Nirani said.

“BEML has 1149 acres of land. Earlier 979 acre was allotted for industrial area development but the land was not utilised which will be taken back to set up industries. Centre’s economic affairs department has decided against the closure of factory. State must adhere to the rules since it comes under central government,” minister said.

Elaborating further, Minister Nirani said that the factory’s additional land will be taken back. “Centre’s parliamentary committee on economic affairs has decided to withdraw stakes from government owned factories so it will be withdrawn in a phased manner. The 47% stake in BEML will remain, Nirani stated.

INDUSTRIAL TOWNSHIPS IN FIVE DIVISIONS

Minister Nirani announced that the government has taken steps to promote industries in tier two cities by establishing industrial townships in five divisions across the state.

Replying to JD(S) MLC CN Manje Gowda’s query in the Council, Nirani emphasized on Walk to Work concept. He said Government will allow setting up of satellite towns near factories. And 85% of developed land will be allotted for industries and the rest will be for townships.

Emphasizing on developing tier 2 cities, Minister Nirani said: “Government has reduced providing sops for industries in Bengaluru and Bengaluru rural district in order to promote industries in tier 2 cities such as Tumakuru, Kalaburagi and Belagavi. Government will extend all the help and give concessions to those who make investments in these cities” minister promised.

PRIORITY FOR KANNADIGAS IN JOBS

Reiterating government’s stand on giving priority for Kannadigas in jobs, the minister warned of action if industries violate rules. “As per a clause in the 2020-25 Industrial Policy, the individual units must provide 100% jobs in D group and 70% of total jobs to Kannadigas. As per Dr. Sarojini Mahishi report, 85% of jobs in the state must go to Kannadigas. We will take action if industries violate this,” Nirani warned.