Industry says budget growth oriented

Industrialists of Mysore have welcomed the state budget presented by deputy chief minister and finance minister Siddaramaiah.

Describing the budget as growth-oriented and rural-friendly, the Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) said Siddaramaiah "has made efforts to bridge the urban-rural divide. The priority given to agriculture and related activities, minor irrigation, rural credit, electricity, health, education and insurance sectors will greatly benefit farmers and rural unorganised labour."

By announcing major infrastructure projects in Bangalore, he has tried to erase the impression that the coalition is neglecting technology sectors.

However, it expressed disappointment with respect to certain other areas.

The MCCI expected equal thrust for small and medium scale industries to complement the rural sector in employment generation and employment guarantee schemes. But the trade and industry has nothing much to cheer except hope that a healthy rural economy will drive them towards growth and prosperity, secretary A S Satish said.

The allocations for tourism-related projects in Mysore and doubling of Bangalore-Mysore railway track are so small that the projects are bound to be delayed. Bangalore-Mysore corridor project is not of priority to the government and it is high time the project received utmost attention, he said.

The Hebbal Industrialists' Association, however, welcomed the budget wholeheartedly. Describing the budget as "agriculture and rural development-oriented", association president P Viswanath and general secretary Suresh Kumar Jain said the proposals for an industry development council, special entry tax on goods entering the state, steps to remove regional imbalance are important.

Though trade and industry in Mysore cheered the budget, Siddaramaiah's home district, it complains that the city has not received adequate attention.

Its allocations towards infrastructure development to help it become the secondary city to Bangalore, to give a fillip to IT and tourism, allocation for airport, doubling and electrification of Mysore-Bangalore rail track have not received the expected attention.