Karnataka provides ~2.47 bn for IT, biotech

The Siddaramaiah government has provided an outlay of ~2.47 billion to information technology, biotechnology and science and technology departments in the state Budget for 2018-19.

The chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, said ~10 million grant would be given to science and technology department to provide scholarship for research students.

The government also proposed to establish a mini 3-D planetarium in Belagavi at a cost of ~30 million.

Announcing a flurry of new schemes for 2018-19 in these sectors, Siddaramaiah said an incubation center would be set up at Kalaburagi in association with Deshpande Foundation for ~50 million to promote startups in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah said the Karnataka Innovation Authority would be set up under his chairmanship to encourage innovations in different areas.

The government also proposed to launch new programmes to encourage development of the manufacturing sector and protection of intellectual property rights, especially for mind development institutions, entrepreneurs and startups, he said.

“An archive of patents will be created so as to facilitate storing, corroborating and exchange of patents. This promotes innovation,” the Chief Minister said.

Siddaramaiah further said a ‘Legal Framework for Innovation’ would be established to bring new and emerging technologies under a legal framework until an appropriate law is enacted.

“This will enable introduction of such technologies in Karnataka,” he added.

On the achievements of the government in the last five years in these sectors, Siddaramaiah said as many as 1,022 programmes have been assisted during this period.