The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the acquisition of about 3,000 acres of land for distribution to different industries — including cement and steel and the educational sector — with whom MoUs were signed during the Global Investors' Meet held last year.

Prominent cement companies which have sought land are Shree Cement, India Cement, Dalmia Cement and Chettinad Cement, to set up units in the state, Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya said while briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

In addition to cement companies, one steel unit of Hothur Ispat in Bellary and NK Utilities are also in the request list.

Majority of the investment proposals have come for Gulbarga district and the companies have been told to explore land acquisition on their own and that the government interference would be nil.

Shree Cement has sought land in Sedam in Gulbarga district for 1,200 acres. India Cement for 1,999 acres Dalmia Cement for 544 acres and Chettinad Cement in Chincole, Gulbarga district.

The State Cabinet has also approved setting up of five Botanical Parks in the State at a cost of Rs 8 crore. Dr Acharya said the Cabinet had approved setting up 11 nursing colleges offering (besides normal BSc course) specialisation courses in various subjects, both at Under Graduate and Post Graduate level.

Cabinet approved a 25 per cent hike in salaries of employees of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) and Electricity Supply Companies' (ESCOMs) employees in the state.