Date:02/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/07/02/stories/2009070251961900.htm

Back Govt urged to adopt proactive energy strategy

Our Bureau

Bangalore, July 1 The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce has called upon the Karnataka Government to adopt a proactive energy strategy that encourages private sector power generation, renewable sources, energy audits and new technologies.

Addressing a press conference, the BCIC’s newly elected President, Mr K.R. Girish, and Vice-President, Mr Shekar Vishwanathan, said that the chamber would work with the State Government in tackling the immediate challenges of power, infrastructure and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The chamber hoped to partner with the Karnataka Government’s second Global Investors’ Meet, to be held in November, they said. It would continue to help create an atmosphere conducive to industrial growth.

Mr Girish, who is Senior Partner, BSR & Co, a member firm of KPMG, observed that there were no serious investors in the power sector. Mr Vishwanathan, who is Deputy Managing Director (Commercial), Toyota Kirloskar Motors Ltd, said the acute power shortage in the State warranted a long-term solution with encouragement to large and captive producers.

BCIC and KPMG are putting together a document called ‘Advantage Karnataka’ on the areas of Karnataka’s strengths, opportunities and weaknesses. The report is an attempt to look at ways to put the State back among top industry- and investment-friendly States. Bangalore has serious traffic woes and the urgent need is to decongest the city and make the best use of available infrastructure, Mr Vishwanathan said.