I am not against IT, BT companies: Kumaraswamy

I am not against IT, BT companies: Kumaraswamy

The Hindu

"Advent of these firms raised cost of living in Bangalore"

BANGALORE: After his outburst against the information technology and biotechnology companies on Sunday, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday said his remarks were only intended to highlight the problems of the poor in the city.

"I am not against the IT and BT companies, who have made this city a much sought after investment destination," he said.

Speaking at a function arranged in connection with the inauguration of new classrooms of a government school, Mr. Kumaraswamy said with the advent of IT and BT companies the cost of living in the city has gone up considerably. This has caused hardships to the poor people and to those coming from other parts of the State in search of jobs.

"The Government has a responsibility to not only provide infrastructure to companies who invest in the State, but also look into the problems of the poor.

The interests of both sides will be protected and the goals set will be realised within the next 19 months of the Government's term," he said.

On Sunday, the Chief Minister had said that the Janata Dal (S)-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition Government will not "dance to the tunes of IT,BT companies."

The Government cannot listen only to the demands of IT/ BT companies, who employ only four per cent of our people.

The Government is for the welfare of the poor, who earn only Rs. 800 or Rs. 900 a month unlike the IT professionals whose income is in lakhs, Mr. Kumaraswamy had said.

At Monday's event, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the State Government would implement a scheme in the name of Kittur Rani Chennamma for educating meritorious girl students. Under the scheme, the Government will bear all the educational expenses of 10 meritorious girls in each taluk.

Under another scheme the Government will bear the expenses of poor students selected for professional courses through the Common Entrance Test.

The idea is to prevent meritorious students from opting out of professional courses because of financial constraints.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Government will work towards improving infrastructure in government and corporation schools and raise their standards.