Telangana IT Minister Calls Karnataka a Healthy Competitor for Investments

During the Rising Bharat Summit, which took place recently, Telangana's IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu expressed his perspective on the competitive landscape between states in India, particularly highlighting Karnataka's role. He characterized Karnataka as a 'healthy competitor' in the race to attract investments, emphasizing that the decision-making process for investors hinges more on factors like talent availability, infrastructure, and the overall ease of doing business rather than merely on state rivalry. Babu's remarks came during a session at News18’s Rising Bharat India Summit (South Edition), where he underscored the unique advantages that each state possesses, which can cater to the diverse needs of investors.

Babu elaborated on the initiatives taken by the Telangana government over the past few years to enhance talent development, aiming to equip the local workforce with the skills necessary for global industries. He pointed out that Hyderabad has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure, particularly in terms of connectivity and digital resources. The minister noted that the Outer Ring Road facilitates quick travel across Hyderabad, allowing residents to navigate the city in approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Furthermore, he mentioned that efforts have been made to extend optical fiber connectivity to even the most remote villages in the state, thereby enhancing digital access for all.

In his pitch for Telangana as a prime location for international businesses, Babu highlighted that Hyderabad is responsible for a substantial 40 percent of India's greenfield Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and is home to various sectors, including software, aerospace, defense, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and beauty technology. He also pointed out the rapid expansion of the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector within the city. Additionally, Babu mentioned the efficiency of Telangana's single-window clearance system, which allows for industry approvals within a swift 21-day period. He expressed concerns regarding what he described as 'step-motherly treatment' from the central government, particularly in relation to semiconductor investments, urging the Union government to provide equitable policy support for states like Telangana that are keen on developing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. He concluded by stating that constructive support from the Centre could empower states to capitalize on their strengths and attract further investments in emerging sectors.