Mysuru: “The industrial scenario in the country or the world has not improved. No doubt we are getting investment but we could get better. Though we are getting investment in service sector, it’s not the same in manufacturing sector,” said Large Scale Industries Minister R V Deshpande.
Speaking to media persons at MLA Vasu’s residence here on Thursday, Deshpande said, “The other problem is employment generation. Most of the states are minus in this sector except for Karnataka where it is plus in employment generation. So employment has become a big concern. Automation is also hitting the job market. Each robot take away the jobs from 15 to 20 people. Hence keeping this in mind, we have to teach our youngsters what the industry wants. There are jobs but we have to impart skills which are required.”
Deshpande on by-election
Reacting to media’s query as to whether the by-election results will have any effect on government especially on the forthcoming Assembly election in the state, Deshpande said, “Whether we win or lose it will not have any impact on government or forthcoming Assembly election. Do you think that if we win both the by-election we will sweep the 2018 Assembly elections? Elections are fought on so many factors including the performance of the government, performance of the elected candidates, anti-incumbency factors and what is the trending wave”, added Deshpande.
On Bengaluru and Mysuru flight
“Due to odd timings, there were hardly any passengers travelling from Bengaluru to Mysuru. The flight used to depart Bengaluru at 6 am and after all the formalities it used to take three hours to be in Mysuru. Apart from this, to be at Bengaluru airport to catch the flight to Mysuru we had to get up at 3 am. As the timing was not flexible, people started to prefer travelling in train which takes just two and half hours. Now we have spoken to civil aviation minister to connect Chennai, Goa or Hyderabad flights”, added Deshpande. Due to election code of conduct he didn’t tell more about the airport.
‘Let S M Krishna introspect’
Reacting to S M Krishna’s comment on the stagnation of government in the last four years, Deshpande said, “Last year, that is from January to December, Karnataka was number one in the country as per as investment proposal interests were received followed by Gujarat with a tremendous difference. Even though the state is suffering from drought for the last three years, we still have come out with various people-oriented welfare programmes which has improved the standard of living of the people. Even developmental works related to roads, highways, railway network have improved the scenario here. S M Krishna is wrong in his statement”, said Deshpande.
