BENGALURU: The government is set to roll out a data centre policy with a vision to position Karnataka as the destination of choice for futuristic data centres and also attract Rs 10,000 crore in investment by 2025.
The cabinet, which met here on Monday, approved the policy, which will come into force with immediate effect. Currently, the state has as many as eight data centres with a capacity of 96MW, which is about 15% of India’s total capacity. The policy aims to increase capacity to 170MW with 10 new data centres by 2025.
The emphasis is on promoting data centres outside Bengaluru by offering a slew of incentives. They include a 7% capital subsidy up to Rs 10 crore, a 10% subsidy on land purchase or lease, a 100% exemption on stamp duty up to 10 acres, and a special incentive package on a case-by-case basis for data centres with investments exceeding Rs 4,000 crore. This could cost the exchequer Rs 1,600 crore over the next five years.
Shifting Indira Canteens
The government plans to shift some Indira Canteens to crowded places like bus stands and marketplaces to make them financially viable. The cabinet has asked the urban development department to submit a detailed report identifying canteens which need to be shifted and new localities.
The decision was taken after the BBMP said it cannot bear 30% of the operational cost and sought funds from the government.
“Most of these canteens are not attracting enough customers,” said JC Madhuswamy, law and parliamentary affairs minister. “So, the government is thinking of shifting them to crowded places where the floating population is high. ”
Ban on ore exports to stay The cabinet also decided to stick to its earlier stand of not allowing export of iron ore. It will convey this decision to the Supreme Court. The SC, which is currently hearing a batch of petitions seeking export of ore from Karnataka, has asked the state to submit a reply. The government had banned export of iron from 2013.
“Many miners want the ban lifted. The Centre also asked us to reconsider the ban. But going by past experiences, the cabinet has decided to stick to its stand,” Madhuswamy said.
Contract cancelled
The cabinet approved cancellation of the contract awarded to Simplex Infrastructure Ltd for failing to complete the elevated corridor in Koramangala. It also decided to promulgate an ordinance to enforce the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Bill 2022 which seeks to prevent depositors from making multiple complaints in case of fraud.
