From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 19: The State Government is planning to develop four districts of Mysuru, Chikkaballapura, Kolar and Hubballi as integrated electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM) clusters, in collaboration with global ESDM companies, announced Minister for Large and Medium Industries Jagadish Shettar in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The minister was addressing an ESDM Workshop and Panel Discussion on “Key Enablers for Establishing Globally Competitive ESDM Clusters,” organised by Government of Karnataka, in association with Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) and Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), at Lalit Ashok. Shettar said, "The State Government is committed towards industrial development of tier two and tier three cities of the state. In this regard, the Industries department is creating an investment-friendly atmosphere in these cities.’’

To focus on establishing an ecosystem comprising supportive policies, access to world-class infrastructure, skill development, and a range of other such enablers, the government has introduced an initiative for the development of industrial ecosystem called Product Focussed Industrial Cluster Development Program, where product-specific manufacturing clusters are being developed across the State. It gives me great pleasure to witness that we are in talks with global ESDM companies, he said.

Measures will be taken to eliminate hurdles in order to develop an ESDM ecosystem, he said. “We understand that the path to industrial development is long and requires a special approach. This is especially true for a dynamic sector like ESDM – which can thrive only in a supportive ecosystem,” the minister remarked.

Shettar said discussions have taken place with 87 companies and more than 10 have come forward to invest in the state, he informed. ESDM clusters will be developed in Chikkaballapura and Mysuru districts, and further, Kolar and Hubballi will also be included under cluster development programme. Lands required to develop clusters have been identified in these districts, he explained. Karnataka is the country’s preferred destination for investment in ESDM sector, he said.

"Our State has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as one among the top four Innovation Hubs in the world. We have also long been recognised as the hub for several industries such as automobiles, aerospace, defence, engineering, biotechnology and IT,’’ he added. 

Gaurav Gupta, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industries, speaking on the occasion said Karnataka is one of the top states in the country when it comes to chip design sector. It contributes 40% to electronic design and 30% to electronics manufacturing in the country.

The state is home to about 30% of ESDM companies. Karnataka aims to be at the forefront of the ESDM sector globally, he said. Gaurav Gupta said Mysuru is the ideal location for eco-friendly ESDM activities while Dharwad is best for innovative electronics manufacturing related activities. The government, having recognised this, will provide a special package to investors who come forward to invest in this sector and also make sure world-class infrastructure is provided, he said. To achieve the State Government's vision of a world-class ESDM clusters, 1,000-acre land has been identified in various districts while ITI and such other courses, which are necessary to acquire quality skills pertaining to ESDM sectors, have been upgraded.

The ESDM cluster in Karnataka can be taken to greater heights only when Government and industrialists work in tandem with each other, he said. Commissioner Gunjan Krishna, who provided detailed information on opportunities available to establish ESDM industries four districts, said the development of ESDM cluster will be advantageous for the investors. Xiaomi India, Opportunity India, Würth Electronics, Avalon Network Systems and Logical Learning Companies were some of the companies that participated in meetings with higher officials. Apple India, Xiaomi India, wistron Infocom India, Qualcomm India, HCL Technologies, Texas Instruments, 3M Electronics and Energy, Bosch Automotive
Electronics and other companies participated in the workshop.

A large number of industrialists from ESDM sector who took part in the workshop discussed ways to improve eco-friendly ESDM clusters with international standards in Karnataka.