Make India the crown of the world: Guv Gehlot

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot here on Thursday said it was the duty of every citizen to construct a respectable and developed India, which will make the country “crown of the whole world”, in the next 25 years.  

The Governor’s remarks came after unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day and receiving the guard of honour at the Manekshaw Parade Ground here. Further, speaking he also urged the people to unite and make Karnataka healthy and prosperous.

“In the next 25 years of the golden period of Amrithkal, it is our duty to construct a respectable and developed India, which will make our nation the crownof the whole world,” Gehlot said. He said, “I have faith that all of you will not only take an active role in public life but also encourage everyone to tender their contribution towards the progress of our nation.”

“Come, let’s unite and make the Karnataka State healthy and prosperous and let’s make the resolution of strengthening the sovereignty, unity and prosperity of our nation and move forward,” he said. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, several of his cabinet colleagues, legislators, and officials among others were present in the event, which saw a march past by defence, police contingents and contingents by various schools and organisations.

It was followed by cultural performances by students and various groups. Stating that Karnataka, is one of the progressive States in the Country, Gehlot said, as per the latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index report 2020-21, Karnataka State stands in the 4th position.

He also pointed out that Karnataka retains its position as the most innovative state and has been ranked number one in the India Innovation Index by Niti Aayog. Karnataka State has been declared as the Best Performing State under the Start-up Ranking of the States by the Government of India, he said, as he highlighted that the revised Karnataka Start-up Policy 2022-27 and the State’s first Karnataka R&D Policy 2022 and Karnataka Data Centre Policy 2022 have been announced.

Noting that Karnataka has emerged as the “top achiever” in the ranking list of “Ease of Doing Business” released by the Department of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Central Government, the Governor said, in terms of merchandise exports, the state contributed USD 25.87 billion in financial year 2022 to India’s exports, its highest ever tally.

It is a significant milestone as Karnataka is among the top four exporting states, he said. Invest Karnataka 2022, the flagship global event of Government of Karnataka was held from November 2 to 4, 2022, he pointed out and said a total investment of Rs.9,81,784 crore has been attracted. The State government has announced the Karnataka Aerospace & Defence Policy 2022-27.

With the increased focus on EV manufacturing in the state, the government amended the Karnataka Electric Vehicle & Energy Storage Policy, 2017 and updated the incentives in line with investor expectations and to accelerate the adoption of EV uptake in Karnataka, the Governor mentioned. Gehlot said the government is committed to developing a good road network in the State to ensure safe and easy movement of vehicles by taking up improvements of State Highways and major district roads through the Public Works Department through different schemes and programs