Karnataka state Budget likely to benefit auto R&D, software companies

Bangalore, June 28, 2013: With the Karnataka government preparing to present its state Budget on July 12, there are indications that it may open its doors for more industrial opportunities in electronics, software and R&D activities related to the automotive sector.

At present, the government has been conducting pre-Budget meetings with various industrial bodies to apprise about giving a fillip to Bangalore’s entrepreneurial skills in electronic, software and R&D fields.

M N Vidyashankar, the principal secretary for the state industries and commerce department, said the 2013-14 Budget is likely to come out with a separate pack of incentives to boost R&D activities in Bangalore. It is also likely to come out with initiatives to attract venture capital in the manufacturing sector. He made this announcement when he was addressing the 96 AGM of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) in Bangalore yesterday.

Furthermore, he said that trade delegations from Taiwan are expected to visit Bangalore soon to explore opportunities to set up electronic industrial units here. “We are keen to develop 300 acres near Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bangalore for setting up a cluster for electronics where we expect about 45 Taiwanese companies to set up units in partnership with Indian companies,” he said.

Taiwanese electronics companies have expertise in areas like telematics systems, automotive lighting, LED headlights, reverse parking systems and tyre pressure monitoring systems. They also contribute to airbags, car alert systems, keyless entry, engine lock chips, navigation systems and infotainment systems.

JAISHANKAR JAYARAMIAH