BL reported that 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.

Mr KR Girish BCIC newly elected president and Mr Shekar Vishwanathan VP 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.

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

Mr Girish said that there were no serious investors in the power sector. Mr Vishwanathan, who is deputy managing director (commercial) of Toyota Kirloskar Motors Limited said the acute power shortage in the State warranted a long term solution with encouragement to large and captive producers.

Mr Vishwanathan said that 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.

(Sourced from Business Line)