TRADE BODIES ARE LOOKING F OR

TRADE BODIES ARE LOOKING F OR

The new government should focus on infrastructure, both physical and social. From roads and public transport to traffic management and waste management, there are a host of issues that need to be addressed. There’s also a severe power issue. We need a CM who is able to deliver and who can stimulate the bureaucracy, particularly the BBMP and the BDA, into action. And the CM should tackle the rising levels of corruption, which is threatening to eat into the growth and development of the state.
— T Ramappa, secretary general, Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Bangalore’s traffic snarls continue to be a menace, which is sending out bad signals to investors. Successive governments have spoken about grandiose plans such as signalfree traffic and a central control room. But have these plans been implemented? There has to be a speedy implementation of such proposals.
— Reguraj, former chairman of CII Karnataka chapter


As far as trade and industry is concerned at the state level, availability of land for expansion of small and medium industries is a major issue. I want the new government to focus on this. In terms of infrastructure, power and water are a a big concern. Power tariff is highest in Karnataka. The state’s growth is unidimensional only towards IT and BPO industry, which caters to educated people but we can’t forget people who are not so educated. For them and for Karnataka’s progress, we need growth of manufacturing and trading industry. Growth of manufacturing industry is tardy here. Government has to look into it. Tax structure in the state is higher here compared to n e i g h b o u r i n g states like tax on mortgage or stamp duty on mortgage, which is probably the highest in India. There is proposed tax on property under CVS without any proper procedures. For anybody who has to start a new business, the investment costs are much higher compared to the return. Doing any business in Karnataka is expensive. The new government should look into these matters seriously.
— Muralidhar D, president-elect, Federation
of Karnataka Chambers of
Commerce and Industry