In spite of support from public, political parties and the media for the last 25 years, the industrial scenario in North Karnataka is not up to the ‘mark' as compared with South Karnataka, especially Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. The main reason is that these cities have good infrastructure and connectivity - by road, rail and air.

According to Mr M.C. Hiremath, President, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), “Not a single large, medium or small-scale industry has come up in northern Karnataka except the big ones like Tata Steel, Telecon and Tata Marco-Polo, which have their assembly units in Dharwad.”

The Government should give special emphasis on developing MSMEs or support ancillary-based industries to be cost effective supply chain for big companies.

“In addition to this, the Government should focus on IT-based industries for they offer more jobs to educated youth and availability of manpower is reasonably good in this area. Majority of North Karnataka youth are working at Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore and they look forward to coming back to their region,” he added.

Private sector organisations such as district-level chamber of commerce and other non-government organisations have been doing the job of showcasing the northern Karnataka for its potential.

The region has potential and main focus should be encouraging the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and ancillary units.

The region needs an effective lobby at government level for assured infrastructure development by way of improved roads, power supply and water supplies.

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