The Promise of a Secure Foothold
I was struck by the recent and resolute statement from Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister, M. B. Patil, assuring that “not one industry will move out of Karnataka for want of land.” This is a powerful commitment. For decades, land acquisition has been one of the most significant hurdles for industrial growth in India. Minister Patil’s proactive stance, aimed at creating a substantial land bank and streamlining the process, is a foundational step in the right direction. It signals to investors, both domestic and global, that Karnataka is serious about retaining and attracting capital.
This is precisely the kind of decisive governance that builds confidence. An available and accessible land bank, managed by bodies like the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), removes a critical element of uncertainty from the investment equation.
Building Beyond the Plot
However, while this is a necessary condition for progress, it is not sufficient. This brings me to a thought I have consistently explored over the years: infrastructure is not merely about physical assets, but about creating a holistic, future-proof ecosystem.
The core idea I want to convey is this — reading Minister Patil's statement gives me a sense of validation. I have brought up the need for a multi-faceted approach to industrial development for years. My writings on how corporates must lead in skill development and how technology is causing inevitable disruption were based on the prediction that physical infrastructure alone wouldn't be the winning card. I had proposed that the real competitive advantage would emerge from a potent combination of land, human capital, and digital readiness. Now, seeing the government focus so intently on clearing the land hurdle, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. It renews the urgency to revisit those ideas, because they hold the key to what comes next.
The industries that will occupy this land will not be the same as those from twenty years ago. They will be driven by AI, IoT, and automation. As I noted when reflecting on the pervasive nature of AI in modern business deals, almost every transaction has some form of AI embedded. These industries will not just demand a plot of land; they will demand a highly skilled workforce, seamless digital connectivity, and a robust innovation ecosystem.
Therefore, the promise of land must be coupled with an equally strong promise of talent and technology. We must ask ourselves:
- Are we creating a workforce that can thrive in these future-focused industries?
- Is the infrastructure on this land—power, water, and data—resilient and advanced enough to support them?
A Vision for a Thriving Future
The assurance from M. B. Patil is an excellent foundation upon which to build. It solves a problem of the past and present. The challenge now is to build for the future. The vision must expand from providing physical land to cultivating 'knowledge ecosystems' on that land. Let us not only stop industries from leaving but also create an environment so compelling that the world's most innovative companies see Karnataka as their natural home.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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