Dr B Thomas (Special correspondent)
The State government has decided to assist atleast 100 youth in each taluk to get self employed, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said and asked the Leather Industries Development Corporation Limited of Karnataka(LIDKAR) to give top priority for creating employment opportunities for the youth.
An allocation of Rs25 cr has been made in the state budget for LIDKAR.More funds would be provided in the supplementary budget if LIDKAR creates more employment opportunities.
Leather industry has seen huge changes with modern technology and machinery.The leather furniture industry offers a big opportunity for LIDKAR to grow further even to capture the international market.
LIDKAR could taste huge success if proper branding and marketing.Greater focus should be given in this direction,Bommai suggested to the Managing Director of LIDKAR.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the State level Leather Artisans’ Convention and Leather Crafts Exhibition cum sale at Palace Grounds.
The Chief Minister assured all assistance from the government for the development and growth of LIDKAR in its quest to expand its product base, production and employment generation.
In the last five years a total grant of Rs237 cr has been provided for LIDKAR which in turn has helped 33,000 small enterprises, Bommai said.
Reiterating the commitment of his government for the welfare of SC, ST communities,Bommai said, the subsidy for purchase of land for SC,ST communities has been raised from Rs15 lakh to Rs20 lakh.
Free power upto 75 units is being provided for 30 lakh SC, ST families, big hostels with over 1000 rooms are being built in major education centres of the State for the students belonging to backward classes, SC and ST communities.
