Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroop T.K. recently instructed district officials to expedite infrastructure provision for new industrial ventures and ensure maximum local employment opportunities during a crucial meeting held at the DC's office in Manipal.
Presiding over the District Level Single Window Committee and Industrial Spandan Committee meetings, Swaroop T.K. emphasized the urgent need to complete land acquisition and related processes for establishing new industrial zones. She highlighted four key areas identified for development: 74.84 acres in Shivapura (Hebri taluk), 38.75 acres in Kerebettu, 50.42 acres in Nitte (Karkala), and 101.19 acres in Uppoor (Brahmavar taluk).
The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the progress of previously allocated industrial plots. Of 17 plots designated for development in a prior meeting, only five have fully commenced operations, while building construction is underway on nine others. Swaroop T.K. expressed dissatisfaction over the complete lack of progress on the remaining three plots. With more than 15 new applicants seeking land, she directed officials to initiate re-allocation procedures for these undeveloped sites in accordance with existing regulations.
Further, the DC conveyed her displeasure regarding the inaction of Industrial Training Institute (ITI) principals. Despite previous directives to implement vocational skill training programs for youth to meet industrial demands, no concrete steps had been taken. She reiterated the importance of adhering to the Dr. Sarojini Mahishi report, which mandates local employment within industrial units. The district currently hosts 92 operational units—38 small, 47 medium, and 7 large—collectively employing 19,572 Kannadigas, achieving a 91.42% local employment rate. This includes 292 in A-category, 1,840 in B-category, 5,329 in C-category, and 12,111 in D-category roles.
Swaroop T.K. also stressed the provision of essential infrastructure, including roads, water supply, electricity, and drainage, within industrial areas. She noted the presence of 484 vacant positions across various industrial units in the district, spanning roles like fitters, electricians, welders, and mechanics. She urged officials to actively facilitate opportunities for local candidates to fill these openings.
The meeting saw the presence of key officials including Joint Director of Industries Department Nagaraj V. Nayak, Deputy Director G. Vaman Naik, District President of the Small Scale Industries Association Vasanth Kini, KASSIA representative Harish Kundar, along with district-level implementing officers and local small-scale industrialists.
Image: kundapraa.com
📰 Source: Kundapra