Logo

Synopsis This book is aimed at evaluating the economic performance of the state of Karnataka in India and brings to light the current challenges and opportunities facing the state. Bangalore has been the "Silicon Valley of India" and is growing faster. Besides the IT sector, Karnataka has performed well in the agricultural sector and in biotech industry. But in recent times, the state is witnessing problems in agriculture and fisheries. This has been manifested in farmers' suicides and the degradation of coastal ecosystem. In IT/ITES, the state is facing a threat in terms of poor development in infrastructure and competition from other southern states. This has put a big question mark on Karnataka s position as the frontline IT and Biotech industrial state. The state needs to fulfill these lacunae and strive hard to retain its unique position. Karnataka is one among the most preferred destinations for foreign investments in India, and houses 65 of world’s fortune 500 companies. The State ranks fourth in the list of Indian States attracting FDI. The State is home for every sector of Industry such as, Information Technology, Biotechnology, Electronics, Telecom, Aerospace, Processed Foods, Apparel, Automobiles, Banking and Finance, Mining, Steel, Cement, Tourism and much more. There are also other indicators of economic dynamism such as the boom in house building and construction, proliferation of brick kilns and multiplying opportunities for small businesses. Besides, Karnataka has some advantages to aid growth in the form of a large pool of human resources, aided by the presence of a large number of engineering, medical and other educational institutes, abundant natural resources and a salubrious climate. This book is an attempt to make an assessment of Karnataka's economy covering all the sectors of the state. It is hoped that this will be of great use to the state Government, policy-makers, academia and the corporate sector.