Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) Karnataka's IT exports are projected to exceed Rs 5.50 lakh crore this year, as announced by the state's IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge during the Assembly session on Wednesday.

In response to a query by BJP MLA Vedavyas Kamat, Kharge elaborated, "Discussing the potential of the IT-BT sector in Karnataka, our exports were Rs 3.55 lakh crore in 2022-23, which climbed to Rs 4.09 lakh crore in 2023-24. For the last fiscal year, it reached Rs 4.58 lakh crore. I am entirely confident that by March 31 this year, we will surpass Rs 5.50 lakh crore."

Kharge highlighted that Mysuru contributes approximately Rs 3,000 crore in IT exports, while Mangaluru and its coastal area add around Rs 3,500 crore. The combined contributions from Belagavi and Hubballi range between Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 2,500 crore, with the remainder coming from Bengaluru.

He further affirmed that he has never downplayed Mangaluru's potential, stating, "The region possesses significant potential. If local leaders foster a supportive environment, we can enhance the local economy. Notably, Bengaluru's district GDP accounts for approximately 39.9 percent, while Mangaluru follows at 5.4 percent, and the third place has 3.4 percent. The disparity is evident."

Kharge continued, "The discrepancy between 40 percent and 5.4 percent is stark. I firmly believe that with a conducive investment climate in Mangaluru, we could achieve around three percent growth in the next three years. This is my position, and I stand by it."

The Mangaluru area is often perceived as sensitive in communal matters, having experienced clashes, protests, and retaliatory violence in the past. Kharge has consistently critiqued communal forces and the BJP regarding these issues.

"Growth is not solely your responsibility; it is mine as well," he stated.

On a statewide level, 380 MoUs have been signed with IT and related enterprises. The coastal region, including Manipal, Udupi, and Mangaluru, is being treated as an economic cluster through the Economic Accelerator Programme. Moreover, a Technology Convention is being organized, and under the Beyond Bengaluru Cluster initiative, a seed fund of Rs 25 crore has been allocated. Alliances have been established under the Karnataka Acceleration Programme to assist startups via the SHINE programme.

Kharge also mentioned the request to simplify the criteria for establishing IT parks in the coastal region, stating that adjustments would be made shortly to accommodate local MLAs' demands. An Ocean Farming policy is also in the works, with data centers being prioritized. This cluster is crucial not only for Karnataka but for the entire nation. The potential is vast, but a supportive environment must be cultivated," he emphasized.

BJP's Kamat acknowledged the challenges yet asserted that the coastal region ranks just after Bengaluru in potential. He sought clarification from the minister regarding plans for districts like Kalaburagi, which exhibit lower GDP.

Kharge, hailing from Kalaburagi, recognized it as one of the state's most underdeveloped districts.

Addressing the inquiry, Kharge remarked that development hinges on geographic and demographic advantages.

"The benefits available to coastal Karnataka are not present in the Kalyana Karnataka region. The resources we possess are not available to you; your proximity to the sea presents opportunities for ocean farming, while we cultivate tur dal. In GDP contribution terms, Kalaburagi represents 1.9 percent, which matches Bengaluru Rural's contribution. We are exploring methods to accelerate growth in these regions. The state is committed to fostering development beyond just Mangaluru or Bengaluru. We are intervening wherever potential exists across the state to enhance GDP."