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Bigger exports push for IT sought
November 17, 2004 12:59 IST
Karnataka on Wednesday sought inclusion of software exports in the 'Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure and other activities' scheme of the commerce ministry for promotion of infrastructure for export-oriented industries, and also clearance for the metro and commuter rail projects. Chief minister N Dharam Singh said two per cent of the value of software exports from Karnataka could be made available under 'ASIDE' or a similar scheme for providing infrastructure for export-oriented IT industry.
The centre must support states like Karnataka in their endeavour to provide and maintain world class infrastructure in recognised IT hubs to "prevent erosion of its software base to competition from China", he said.
Singh was speaking at a meeting of deputy chairman of planning commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia with chief ministers of southern states and union territory of Pondicherry for the mid-term appraisal of the Tenth Plan.
Noting that Bangalore's surface transport had reached a saturation point, he asked Ahluwalia to help the state in getting approval from the planning commission as well as from the ministries of railways and urban development for the metro project envisaged at a cost of Rs 4,899 crore (Rs 48.99 billion).
He also sought necessary approvals for the commuter rail project that would provide connectivity on the north-south and east-west axis of existing surface lines.