Karnataka to form 6 task forces, draw up action plan to boost manufacturing sector

Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil addressing the gathering during Uthpadana Manthana.

Karnataka government has decided to come up with an action plan aimed at positioning the state as India’s leading manufacturing hub.

As part of this vision, the state on June 10 launched the first edition of Uthpadana Manthana, a post-Invest Karnataka 2025 initiative focused on deepening collaboration with industry leaders and speeding up policy implementation.

Announcing the initiative in Bengaluru, Karnataka Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil said the government will establish six sector-specific task forces over the next five years.

Also, read: Karnataka unveils industrial policy 2025-2030, targets Rs 7.5 lakh crore investments, 20 lakh jobs

“These task forces will focus on aerospace and defence (including space tech and drones), electronics and semiconductors, capital goods and robotics, auto and electric vehicles, Technical and MMF-based Textiles, and consumer products including FMCG, footwear, and toys”, said Patil.

The day-long conclave brought together over 80 CEOs and CXOs representing nearly 60 companies. The sessions were designed to co-create a roadmap for accelerating industrial growth in Karnataka.

Patil, who attended all sectoral discussions, underlined the state’s intent to shift the industrial growth model from services to manufacturing.

He said the government is committed to providing essential infrastructure, including integrated industrial townships and enhanced connectivity to major ports in Mangaluru and Chennai.

“Industry leaders made a range of suggestions, several of which will be integrated into the government’s short-term plan for the next six to nine months. These include introducing hands-on elective courses in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, establishing new manufacturing institutes in partnership with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), developing plug-and-play industrial townships, creating dedicated trade desks in countries such as South Korea, and streamlining clearance processes,” said Patil.

The proposals also included shared factory spaces, incentives for apprenticeship-led firms, EV battery clusters, and strengthening Karnataka’s aerospace supply chain with access to specialised materials.

The government has set a target of mobilising Rs 7.5 lakh crore in investments and creating 20 lakh jobs by 2030. Patil said the need to focus not only on attracting capital but also on building local capabilities, ensuring value addition, and enhancing global competitiveness.

To support its ambitions, the state will boost merchandise exports through Free Trade Warehousing Zones, export-oriented parks, and better port access. It will also promote green hydrogen, med-tech, precision engineering, OSAT/ATMP semiconductor units, aerospace MRO, and space-tech.

Patil said Uthpadana Manthana marks the beginning of sustained industry engagement, with progress to be reviewed every three months and the strategy refined based on evolving needs.

Also, read: Karnataka to roll out its first dedicated MSME policy