To give a boost to semiconductor industry in the State, the Karnataka Cabinet has cleared the IT/BT Department's proposal to set up ‘Design, Testing and Characterisation Laboratory'.
Briefing reporters, Dr V.S. Acharya, senior Cabinet Minister, said in the absence of the lab, semiconductor companies were spending lot of time and money to send their products to other labs located in other States.
Keeping this in mind, the Government has agreed to release Rs 7.20 crore as its share to build the lab and the Centre has agreed to sharethe cost.
The Characterisation Lab is to come up at the IT/BT Department-owned land in the STPI premises located in the Electronics City in Bangalore.
“The Central Government has agreed to share the cost. The State Government has also agreed to pay annual maintenance cost of Rs 3 crore,” he added.
Rs 30 cr for Yadgir
For developing the newly-created Yadgir district, the Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 50 crore.
Dr Acharya said the sanctioned money will be spent after the district administration submits a detailed project based on the consultation with the Minister in charge of the district, MLAs and other elected representatives.
Of the Rs 50 crore, Rs 40 crore is to be spent for general purpose, Rs 7 crore for SCs and Rs 3 crore for STs.
Fisheries projects
The Cabinet has also its given approval for three projects worth Rs 100 crore to improve fisheries infrastructure in the costal districts of Udupi and Uttara Kannada.
According to Dr Acharya, as part of infrastructure development in Udupi and Uttar Kannada, the Government plans to take up works related to erecting landing base, jetty and breakwater wall to help traditional fishermen.
The State government is to solely bear the cost of one project and the Centre will be equal partner in two other projects.
In Kundapur in Udupi district's Shirur village to encourage traditional fishermen, breakwater wall will be erected at a cost of Rs 9.90 crore. This is to benefit 282 fishermen families. In Maravante village also in Udupi district, through the Central assistance and based on the Kerala model, wharves (both north and south) are to be built at the cost of Rs 45 crore. This is to help 289 fishermen families.
“Today, administrative approval was given to commence the work immediately,” said Dr Acharya.
In Uttar Kannada district, Rs 27 crore is to be spent on upgradation of Honnavar fishing harbour.