Yogesh K Porwar
“Hubballi-Dharwad has a bright future ahead”.
Industrialists from Hubballi-Dharwad have played a significant role in the industrial development of North Karnataka,said former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai.
He expressed pride over the establishment of a Material Testing and Research Centre in Hubballi.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new building of the Karnataka Material Testing and Research Centre located in the Industrial Estate on Gokul Road here on Saturday, he said it was heartening to witness the launch of a facility that had been long-awaited.
A lot of effort and dedication from many people goes into building an institution like this. It’s through consistent efforts that such institutions are established.
The Material Testing and Research Lab is a special one. Common testing facilities still need to grow in India, while China has more such labs.These labs enable entrepreneurs to set up and grow industries.Having such a facility in Hubballi,North Karnataka,is a matter of pride.
The MP said there was a great need for a testing lab. When he was Chief Minister,M.K.Patil had strongly advocated for this.Today, industrialization has grown tremendously.
The industrialists have achieved remarkable success even with limited resources.They have produced world-class products in fields like engineering,electrical, automobile, and valves.The growth of industry in North Karnataka owes much to the contribution of Hubballi’s industrialists.
“When my father was the Industries Minister, he expanded the Gokul Industrial Area and created the Tarihal Industrial Area.After that,Tata came.
Sumanth Moolgaokar,who was the then-chairman of Tata and a pioneer in establishing Indian automobile industries, played a key role.
Another was Mr.Talloalikar from Goa,who had studied at KCD and was a classmate of my father.When my father requested that Tata Industries be established in Hubballi-Dharwad, they insisted on having a testing lab.
What was once said has now been realized.Tata later acquired 600 acres of land in Belur,Dharwad, within 24 hours. At the time,N.D.Tiwari was the Union Minister of Industries.
He initially suggested setting up Tata Industries in Lucknow.After it was established there, approval was given for the plant here.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The former CM said Hubballi-Dharwad has a very bright future. Much of the comprehensive development of the region is due to the efforts of the current Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.
Cement concrete roads in Hubballi-Dharwad were constructed using CSR funds. He brought in CSR funds to the tune of ₹700 crore.
The expansion of Hubballi airport was made possible by the efforts of Joshi and former CM Jagadish Shettar. It was his father who initially decided to establish an airport here. Now there is a possibility for international flights.
All this requires competence and dedication—qualities that Pralhad Joshi possesses. He has elevated the Hubballi railway station to international standards. He also brought the IIT to Dharwad.
With that, technology will develop, and that will help in the growth of industries. The credit for the overall development of Hubballi goes to Joshi.
Upgrading ITIs
Bommai said during the BJP government’s tenure, they had taken several steps, although some were not continued.
They had upgraded 184 ITIs, and the Prime Minister himself appreciated it. He even mentioned it in a meeting of all Chief Ministers.
Another 80 ITIs were to be upgraded, but that did not happen. GTTC and NGEF first came here. When Joshi brought the IIT to Dharwad, people from other districts asked us about it.
When he was Chief Minister, they had upgraded seven engineering colleges in line with the IIT model. Governments should make decisions that leave lasting impressions.
Priority for Skill Development
He said Modi has allocated substantial funds for skill development.This year, Rs.2,000 crore has been allocated to provide apprenticeship opportunities in major companies for around one crore youth from 500 companies.
They have transformed IITs, engineering colleges, and diploma colleges into skill development centers. AI (Artificial Intelligence) also demands skill development.
Skill development is extremely important, and our Prime Minister has given it high priority.They are working with various organizations to provide training to youth and allow them to run their own labs.Efforts will also be made to provide the remaining Rs.2 crore due from the state government.
On the occasion,Union Minister Pralhad Joshi,Karnataka Material Testing and Research Centre President M.K. Patil, promoters S.P. Saunshimath and Girish Nalavadi, along with industrialists and members of the public were present.
