‘Rotary Midtown Circuitronica Startup Award’ presented to entrepreneur Pravithlal Panniyodan

Mysuru: Former MP Prathap Simha alleged that the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has shifted its focus from promoting industries to catering largely to real estate interests.

He was speaking after presenting the ‘Rotary Midtown Circuitronica Startup Award’ to Pravithlal Panniyodan of LeePra Technologies Private Limited at a programme organised by Rotary Midtown in association with Circuitronica at the Ideal Jawa Rotary Auditorium on JLB Road here recently.

If KIADB revises its policies and provides basic infrastructure, including industrial sites at affordable rates, unemployment can be addressed to some extent, he said.

Simha said, nature of warfare across the world was changing, with countries such as China using technology to influence global economies, while the United States leveraged indigenous technology to regulate other nations. India, he said, must also move in that direction by strengthening technology-driven growth.

“Mysuru has more than seven engineering colleges, producing hundreds of graduates every year. However, the city does not have enough entrepreneurs to guide these young engineers or provide them with opportunities. There is a lack of platforms to encourage fresh graduates to establish startups,” he said.

Recalling his tenure as an MP, Simha said, he had a vision for the city’s development focused on promoting entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities. He stressed the need to encourage eco-friendly economic activities through coordination among various Government departments.

Calling for better coordination between elected representatives and Government officials, Simha said, both should work together to create a favourable industrial environment.

He also urged political parties to collectively work towards reducing the pressure on Bengaluru by encouraging industries in neighbouring districts and promoting balanced regional development.