Avoid unnecessary land acquisition, Deshpande tells KIADB

The KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board) must avoid acquiring land beyond what was required, Large and Medium Industries Minister R V Deshpande said on Sunday.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of KIADB, he advised the Board to ensure that its decisions did not hurt others.

"Studies should be taken up to assess the ideal sites for industries and their contribution to job creation. Officials should know what plans and policies are needed to encourage first-generation industrialists and startups," he said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone for the KIADB central office and said the board played a significant role in helping the state emerge as a top investment destination in the country.

Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy remembered KIADB's cooperation in the early days of his company. "The company now functions in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Hubballi and has got 800 acres from the government," he said.

Murthy said Infosys had invested Rs 10,000 crore in the state. He said last year's exports stood at Rs 20,000 crore.

A documentary tracing KIADB's journey was screened on the occasion.