BENGALURU: The Union Budget has nothing new for Karnataka. The state is also disappointed over not being considered for an AIIMS-like institute. However, the push for digital economy and skill development are likely to have positive impact on industries and institutes in the IT capital.
“There is nothing new in the budget,’’ said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, terming it as an incremental one. “The Centre has not given any benefits to the state that suffered from a dip in revenue collection due to demonetisation. It is unfortunate that there are no proposals or focus on development or employment generation with specific policies,’’ he added.
Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil said he was disappointed with the budget. “It is very disappointing that they did not include Karnataka for All India Institute of Medical Sciences-like institute though we had requested and submitted a detailed proposal for it,” he said.
Industry representatives like president of Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) M C Dinesh had also hoped for a special package for Bengaluru to sustain its image as the most dynamic city in the world. “We had hoped for a special package for Bengaluru, which is the most dynamic city in the world. We are a little disappointed on that front, but overall, the budget is very good,” Dinesh told Express.
The FKCCI president described the budget as a development- and growth-oriented one with many measures to ensure growth of start-ups, skills development and IT sectors in the state.
“The changes made in the IT exemption for start-ups wherein the profit-linked exemptions can be availed in three out of seven years of the start-up’s founding as compared to the present the three out of five years policy will give a push to these enterprises,’’ he said.
Skill India Training Centres will be promoted in 600 districts and 100 India International skill centres will be established all over the country. These centres will offer advanced training and courses in foreign languages.
Sources said the allocation for railway projects has increased compared to last year. The Finance Minister allocated Rs 3,174 crore, up from last year’s Rs 2,779 crore for railway projects in the state.