The Karnataka government has begun efforts to establish IT Parks and Semiconductor Parks in Belagavi to drive development and create employment opportunities, said Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge.
Replying during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly to a query by MLA Abhay Patil, the Minister said Belagavi—considered the state’s second capital and an important border district—has been identified for targeted technological and industrial expansion.
He noted that several initiatives are already in progress, including the development of plug-and-play IT infrastructure, the strengthening of the startup and innovation ecosystem, and support through accelerator networks and seed funding.
Flagship programmes such as Nipuna Karnataka, Idea2PoC Elevate (grant-in-aid), Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Programme, Elevate Women Entrepreneurship, and grassroots innovation initiatives are being implemented.
Regarding land availability, Kharge said the government has been pursuing transfer of land from the Defence Ministry for the proposed parks. Letters were sent on January 8, 2021, with reminders on September 9, 2021. The Chief Minister and Chief Secretary also wrote to the Defence Minister and Defence Secretary on September 21, 2021, requesting early handover of the land, but the process remains pending.
He further added that plans are in place to set up a Global Technology Centre at the Kalamandir building in Tilakwadi, Belagavi, in collaboration with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM).
The proposed projects are expected to transform Belagavi into a major technology hub and generate substantial employment for the youth.
