Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa in a bhumi puja on January 9 laid the foundation-stone for what is publicised as a “first of its kind” toy manufacturing cluster in the country. The manufacturing cluster near Bhanapur in Koppal district is expected to draw in investments of up to ₹5,000 crore and generate employment, directly and indirectly, for an estimated one lakh people. He also announced that the project was expected to be completed in a year and that he would invite PM Narendra Modi for the project’s inauguration.
“Koppal is known for traditional Kinnal crafts. I feel proud to establish a toy cluster in this place. The cluster is expected to generate a large number of direct and indirect jobs in the area. It would provide ample employment opportunities to women in the region,” he said. The Chief Minister also announced a slew of development projects for Koppal district, which included the establishment of a university and a mini-Vidhana Soudha at Kukanur.
“Karnataka is one of the leading States in the country in attracting investments. An industry-friendly environment has been created in the State. The simplification of industry-related regulations and liberalisation of land purchase legislations have helped us to do it. Now, we are planning to move from Bengaluru-centric development to distribution of industries in rural areas across the State so that we can stop large-scale migration from rural areas to megacities,” the Chief Minister said.
Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries Jagdish Shettar said the Koppal toy cluster would house tens of toy-making companies to generate 25,000 direct jobs and over 1 lakh indirect jobs.
“Toys could be sold in all countries. Once the toy cluster is ready in Koppal, many companies would come and invest here. The toys manufactured here would be exported. As per our new industrial policy, local people would get priority while offering jobs in the cluster. After the new industrial policy came into force, the Bengaluru-centric industrialisation has stopped to pave the way for the expansion of industries in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. North Karnataka is a major beneficiary in this regard,” Mr. Shettar said.
Koppal MP Sanganna Karadi requested the CM to sanction an airport for Koppal and provide funds to the district court complex.
Former Industry Minister R.V. Deshpande, Forest Minister Anand Singh, Mines and Geology Minister C.C. Patil, Agriculture Minister B.C. Patil, former Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi, and legislators representing different constituencies were present.
The Aequs Manufacturing Cluster is part of the state government’s endeavor to secure Karnataka’s position as an attractive destination for investment towards the setting up of manufacturing industries, and to establish Karnataka as a toy manufacturing hub. Karnataka is the third-largest market for toys in India, and amounts to 9.1% of the national market worth $159 million. India’s toy industry has grown at a CAGR of 15.9% during 2011-19 to $1.75 billion in 2019, compared to the global toy industry valued at $90.7 billion in 2019.