Infrastructure: NRN asks K'taka Govt to be more pro-active

Bangalore, Nov 23 (UNI) Expressing concern over the promises made by Karnataka with regard to infrastructure development not translating into action, IT major Infosys Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy today urged the Government to take immediate remedial action to tap the rich potential of job opportunities in the State.

Receiving felicitation from the State Government on the occasion of 50 years of the State's formation here, he said that while the present Government had succeeded in creating an environment of cooperation and friendship for interaction, there was lack of affirmation in marching forward.

Mr Murthy said Bangalore, facing several serious infrastructure bottlenecks to match the demand for robust growth, had the potential to generate over 3.5 million new jobs if the Government responded positively and quickly in addressing the grievances.

Bringing to the notice of the State Government that the civil work for the construction of a link road to the international airport was still at a nascent stage, he regretted that the demand to construct an elevated highway to connect Electronic City was 13 years old and still remained a promise.

Recognising that Karnataka had provided the lead in ushering in a new era of economic development, he said that to retain the lead, the Government must take the initiative to address the hurdles, threatening to lose whatever advantage gained to other States.

Earlier, the State Government launched a new scheme 'Suvarna Kayaka', an incentive-based employment training scheme targetting over one lakh unemployed youth. Under the scheme, youth would be trained at industrial houses in the State. The State Government, which had earmarked Rs 25 crore for the purpose, would pay Rs 750 as stipend for the youths selected for training and the industries would contribute an equal amount during the training period.

Launching the programme, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said it would help one lakh youth to get an opportunity to get training of their choice and become self-sufficient.

On the occasion, 17 most successful industrialists who have carved a niche in the national and global corporate levels including Mr Murthy, Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Air Deccan Managing Director Capt G R Gopinath and liquor baron Vijay Mallya were feted.

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