Triumph for women entrepreneurs, Karnataka is all set to come up with country’s first ever tech park. Spread across 300 acres, the park will be designed by women architects and contractors, these women professionals will also look after its construction.
This exemplary initiation by the Government of Karnataka, focuses on the government’s industrial policy for 2014-2019, which proposed special incentives to encourage women entrepreneurs. The park will be constructed at a village called Harohalli, 40 kms south of Bengaluru.
Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the government plans similar women’s park in Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi and Ballari too. The Tech Park is proposed to be up and running by November 2016. International giants like Ikea, Walmart and Toyota have also expressed interest in the park which suggests the success of the plan.
According to the Government of Karnataka, the state government’s commerce and industries department has already received 56 applications from women entrepreneurs who have expressed desire to set up shops at the park.
The ventures range from IT, food processing, textiles, telecom, electronics and others. The tech park is seen as a major initiative creating employment opportunities for almost 2,800 persons. Facilities will also include conference halls, restaurants and even grocery shops.
The government has also proposed a pre-approved priority loan from KSFC (Karnataka State Financial Corporation) and banks for the women who are interested. The entire plan will be executed in a phased manner. The first phase of development will cover 100 acres and the rest will be developed by November 2016. The tech park under the state government is seen as a complete women oriented programme as special incentives for women entrepreneurs have also been included in the proposal. Allotment of land will be at a special rate, with investment-based incentives including investment promotion subsidy of 25 percent, exemption from stamp duty, concessional registration charges, and exemption from entry tax.
A venture which has involved women in all its phases, can surely serve as a role model for the country. It’s a major initiative by the government for the true empowerment of women.
News Source: YS | TBI
Image Source: TOI (Representative Image)
