Mysuru: State JD(S) President H.D. Kumaraswamy (HDK) suggested to the industrialists to set up a Co-operative Bank for themselves instead of seeking loans from Nationalised Banks.  

He was addressing a gathering of industrialists, businessmen and traders at an interaction session organised by Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), at Jnanasarovara International Residential School auditorium here yesterday. He said that industrialists take loans from Nationalised Banks and start the industries. Later, the buyers of products do not make the payment in the beginning and as a result, the burden of loans increase and slowly the industry will turn into an NPA (Non Performing Asset) and a stage will come when it has to be shut down.

Hence, if the industrialists join hands with the existing Industrial Bank and set up its own Cooperative Bank, it will be mutually beneficial. “If JD(S) Govt. comes to power, I will sanction Rs.500 crore fund,” he assured.

24 hours power: Including Bengaluru there is load shedding in all parts of the State. Instead of concentrating on power production, emphasis is being given to purchase power. All Electricity Supply Companies including BESCOM are suffering losses. Except discussion about Solar policy and its advertisement, nothing much is happening on the ground. Promising farmers free electricity, the government is supplying just two hours power to them, said Kumaraswamy expressing his regret.

If his government comes to power, then electricity could be supplied to other States too within six months. Along with power production, 24 hours supply would be given, he said.

Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) Vice-President Sudhakar S.Shetty said that 0.5 per cent cess collected for APMC Calamity Fund should be reduced. There should be uniform tax rates for industries. The existing permits for industries and its renewal should be abolished and there should be uniform fees and online service started.

The other demands of FKCCI included setting up of Industrial Layouts in each taluk for small industries, setting aside Rs. 5000 crore loan for women entrepreneurs and Rs. 10,000 crore for new entrepreneurs. Only if such steps are taken can jobs be created and industry survive, he said.

In the interaction that followed, more than 29 suggestions came from the hoteliers, industrialists, educationalists and from other sectors.

Karnataka Small and Micro Industries Association President Hanumanthegowda, MCCI President A.S. Satish, Legislators S.R. Mahesh, G.T. Devegowda, former Minister A.H. Vishwanath, former VC of University of Mysore Prof. K.S. Rangappa, Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, former Mayor R. Lingappa and others were present.

Only if small industries survive can the educated youth who are deprived of jobs get them. I have understood the problems of the industrialists. Without any experience and because of the political changes, I became a Chief Minister and ran the people-friendly administration for 20 months. Now, I have gained ten years experience in the field. I have understood the problems of all classes and communities and the aspirations of the people. Your problems could be easily solved only if JD(S) independently comes to power and implement all the programmes.

—H.D. Kumaraswamy