Mysuru: promote women entrepreneurship, a two-day exhibition-cum- sale showcasing products made by women entrepreneurs, along with technical workshops on GST and other industry-related topics, will take place on Feb. 22 and 23 at Chamundi Vihar Stadium in Mysuru.

Organised by Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) in collaboration with Department of Industries and Commerce and District Industries Centre, the event aims to provide a strong platform for women entrepreneurs.

Addressing a press meet in Mysuru recently, KASSIA President M.G. Rajagopal announced that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the event at 10.30 am on Feb. 22. District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, MP Yaduveer Wadiyar and MLA Tanveer Sait will be chief guests.

KASSIA’s Women Entrepreneurs Sub-Committee is spearheading the expo to empower women, foster business development and enhance market linkages. Top three stalls in the exhibition will receive awards.

e-Khata issues affecting MSMEs: Rajagopal highlighted concerns over the recent mandate requiring e-Khata for property registration. With 90 percent of B-Khata and revenue sites across Karnataka lacking e-Khata, MSMEs are struggling due to delayed implementation and software errors.

He also criticised Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for significantly increasing fees for industry permits, which has further burdened struggling MSMEs.

Stamp duty exemption demands: The Industrial Policy 2025-30 provides a 75 percent stamp duty concession for special category industries in Zone-3 but excludes general categories. Rajagopal urged the government to extend full exemption to micro industries, 75 percent to small, and 50 percent to medium industries in Zone-1 for loan-related agreements.

Additionally, the recent increase in stamp duty on hypothecation and mortgages from 0.1 percent to 0.5 percent, with the removal of Rs. 50,000 cap, has reduced available capital for small businesses. KASSIA has called for reverting to 0.1 percent and reinstating the cap.

Unrealistic land pricing in KIADB areas: Rajagopal pointed out that KIADB initially allocates land at provisional rates but later raises prices significantly, making land unaffordable for small industries. A 2018 regulation to curb this was applied only to post-2018 areas, excluding many businesses. He urged the extension of this rule to pre-2018 areas as well.

Additionally, KIADB’s transfer of land to KSSIDC at high rates has made it inaccessible to MSMEs. KASSIA has requested an amendment to Land Reforms Act, allowing KSSIDC to acquire land directly or receive 30 percent of land at acquisition cost without added  development charges.

B.R. Ganesh Rao, KASSIA Vice-President, Suresh N. Sagar, Hon. Gen. Secretary, N. Satish, Jt. Secretary-Rural, Manjunath, Treasurer, C.M. Subramanian, Panel Chairman, Mofussil Development, S. Latha, Panel Chairperson, Women Empowerment, Usha Rani, Panel Co-Chairperson, Women Empowerment, were present.