Bengaluru: Minister for Large and Medium Industries in Karnataka, M.B. Patil, declared on June 21 the formation of a high-level committee led by Industry Department Secretary S. Selvakumar to tackle challenges confronting Dalit entrepreneurs in the state.

The decision was unveiled during a session with the Karnataka Dalit Entrepreneurs Association, chaired by Rajya Sabha member L. Hanumantaiah.

He announced this during a meeting with the Karnataka Dalit Entrepreneurs Association, chaired by Rajya Sabha member L. Hanumantaiah.

“The government is dedicated to allocating 24.10 percent of industrial plots to Dalit entrepreneurs in accordance with established guidelines,” he stated.

He said, “The government is dedicated to allotting 24.10 percent of industrial plots to Dalit entrepreneurs, in accordance with established norms.”

The minister announced that 391 acres of land have been designated for Scheduled Caste industrialists, with efforts to expedite distribution.

In response to appeals from industrialists, he prolonged the moratorium on project execution and payments for beneficiaries who were allotted plots before the Covid pandemic, extending it from one year to two years.

Furthermore, Patil emphasized that 25 percent of unused plots in older industrial zones will be set aside for Scheduled Caste industrialists. 

Addressing cases where proposals were adjusted and smaller plots allocated, he stated that a committee led by the respective district commissioner will manage issues for investments under Rs 15 crore.

The minister reassured that challenges concerning allocated plots for Dalit entrepreneurs in Dabaspet, Hassan, Bidadi, and other areas will be swiftly resolved.