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Chapter –IV

Industrial Profile of Bellary District

In this chapter an attempt is made to present a brief industrial profile of the

Karnataka State in general and Bellary district in particular.

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A brief history of Industrial development in Karnataka

Down the lane of industries in Karnataka, one can amazingly find footmarks

of industries, flourishing through the ages. The knowledge about usage of iron for

implements dates back to prehistoric period as per the findings of Hallur in Dharwad

district. Fertile land, thick forests, abundant water resources, infinite mineral wealth,

and a vast seacoast with many natural harbours, provide impetus to the healthy growth

of industries in Karnataka.

Scanning through the history of Karnataka’s industrial development, we find a

rich tradition and dedication to the professions opted for livelihood by the people in

rural areas for centuries. Crafts and home industries flourished to enrich rural life.

Generations after generations, people opted the family traditions and mastered and

perfected the products. They were recognized by their family names, derived from the

professions they practiced viz., Kumbaras, Kambaras, Badigers, Pattegars, Jadars,

Akkasaligas, panchalas etc.

During the medieval period, textile industry was flourishing. Apart from silk

and cotton clothes, woolen coarse blankets, locally known as Kambli, were much

sought after for their fine knitting and durability. Since gold deposit was known at

Kolar and Hutti centuries, he gold smiths or panchalas had enough work on hand

turning out ornaments for people as well as for temples. They were master craftsmen,

with knowledge of intricate design sense.

Thus, there is a vast historical background for our industrial development,

Even before the independence, the credit of establishing public sector undertaking

industries goes to Karnataka.

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Kolar gold field mining, Mysore Iron and Steel factory, Sandal oil factory, Soap

factory, silk factory, porcelain factory, Government Electrical factory, Remco etc.,

were established by then princely rulers of Mysore. By 1944 itself in the erstwhile

Mysore state there were 605 registered industries, which provided employments to

over 77000 people.

As early as in 1881 itself, Dewan Rangacharlu who had the wisdom and

foresight stated that, “No country can prosper, unless it’s agricultural and

manufacturing industries were equally fostered”. The later Dewans like Sheshadri

Iyer, Sir. M. Visveswarayya and Sir. Mirza Ismail shared this conviction and based

their policies on the same principles.

Advent of Modern Industries

In the erstwhile Mysore state under the Wodeyar rule, due prominence was

given to the development of industries. As early as 1913 itself Mysore State was the

only state having separate Department of Industry and Commerce to accelerate and

modernize the industries. During the latter half of the nineteenth century itself the

state had recognized the importance of industrialization. Except for British owned

textile mills at Gokak falls and Hubli, there were no major industrial units in Bombay

Karnataka, till 1930s. Between 1930s and 1940s few industries came up, like cement

factories at Shahbad and Wadi in Gulbarga district, Sugar factories at Kittur and

Ugarkhurd in Belgaum district.

During the Swadeshi movement, a few minor industries came into existence,

like ceramic industry at Khanapur in 1907. Dakshina Kannada had many industrial

units and beedi industries flourished as home industry. Tile manufacture initiated by

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German missionaries dates back to 1865. During the same period Mangalore was

important centre for cashew processing.

The Kolar Gold fields mining industry was established by a British mining company,

John Taylor and Sons in 1880. By 1900 two major industries came up viz. the

Bangalore woolen, cotton and silk mills (1884) and the Mysore spinning and

manufacturing company limited (1894), both at Bangalore. A Central Industrial

Workshop was established at Bangalore in 1897 to cater to the needs of general

engineering. Hydro-electric power generation project at Shivasamudram in Mandya

district in 1902-1903 triggered the development of modern industries in the State.

However, the actual planned economic development as a concept and state

policy was conceived and put into practice by Sir. M. Visveswarayya who was the

Chief Engineer in the princely state of Mysore. He dominated the industrial scene of

the state for about five decades since 1909. He was the architect of the first Mysore

Economic Conference held in 1911 and one of the recommendations of the report was

to conduct an industrial survey. It was undertaken and completed in 1912 and the

Government accepted and setup a separate Department of Industries and Commerce

in 1913. A special feature of the policy that emerged as a result of the Economic

Conference and the industrial survey was the concept of Public or State enterprise and

joint sector enterprise.

Among the early Public Undertakings were: 1. The Mysore Chrome Tanning

Company Limited (1908), 2. Government established Sandal Oil Factories at Mysore

(1915), 3. Government Soap Factory at Bangalore (1918), Iron Works at Bhadravathi

(1923), 4. Sri Krishnarajendra Mill Limited at Mysore (1924), and Pierce Leslie and

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Company, Mangalore, Siddheshwar and Company, Hubli, were also the industrial

units that came up during the early twenties.

By the late twenties, the old Mysore State had 26 major industrial units,

excluding the Kolar Gold Fields, the textile units and hydro-electric works. The

decade 1931-41 before the states were reorganized in 1956 was the most active period

in the economic development of Mysore. Infact, in 1935, in the old Mysore State,

there were 335 factories, employing about 30,000 workers, out of which small-scale

units (employing between 10 and 29 workers) numbered 164 and employed 2695

workers. By 1944, there were 605 factories, employing 77,578 workers.

A notable industry founded during the Second World War period was the

HAL. It was established in Bangalore in 1940 by the famous industrialist Walchand

Hirachand. The rail coach division of the HAL commenced functioning in 1947 and

later on it was transferred to BEML. The Mysore Kirloskar Limited was established

at Harihar in 1941 to manufacture precision machine tools, etc. After Independence,

the Industrial Policy Resolution enunciated by the Government in 1948 had its impact

on the policies of the State. A clearer understanding of the role of the three distinct

sectors, viz., public sector, joint sector and private sector emerged and the need for

developing co-operatives for rural and small scale industries was emphasized.

Industrial Development Under Five Year Plans

Though it was a princely state, Mysore was well prepared with considerable

infrastructure and experience in planned development. However, the First Plan (1951-

56) did not come up to expectations for several reasons. The adjustments to the new

political set up and to some extent, loss of local autonomy were the main reasons.

Out of the total provision of Rs.47.58 crores for old Mysore State, the provision for

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industries was only Rs.2.06 crores, approximately, 4.3% of the total. Even this could

not be utilized and the actual expenditure was only Rs.1.30 crores. However,

considerable attention was paid for the development of village and small industries.

The Second Plan (1956-61) was in fact the first plan of the reorganized State.

In 1956, several districts of the erstwhile Bombay, Hyderabad and Madras

governments were merged with Mysore State, doubling the area and population. The

reorganization made the State potentially and economically stronger. This brought

400 Km of sea shore on the West Coast with several minor ports capable of

development, the gold mines at Hutti and the river valleys of the Tungabhadra and

Krishna, covering large areas with potential agricultural and agro-based industrial

development. The vast iron ore deposits at Bellary district (merged earlier) and the

rich forests and rivers of Uttara Kannada were added to the economic resources of the

State. A notable feature of the Second Plan period was the emergence of several

State-level supporting institutions for industrial development and the important ones

among them were the following.

1. Mysore Small Industries Limited (1960), which later became the Karnataka

Small Industries Development Corporation; to put up industrial estates,

provide raw materials and marketing facilities for small scale industries.

2. Mysore Small Scale Industries and Handicrafts Board (1959) for organising

production and marketing of handicrafts.

3. Mysore State Silk Handloom Weaver Central Co-operative Society (1956) and

the Mysore State Cotton and Woolen Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative

Society.

4. Mysore State Finance Corporation (1952), presently called the Karnataka State

Financial Corporation to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs and

promote small and medium scale industries.

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However, in the Third Plan the rate of industrial development increased, partly

due to the increased power supply from the Sharavathi Project. Modernisation and

expansion of several government undertakings was taken up.

The government set up the Mysore Industrial Investment and Development

Corporation under the Companies Act in 1964, with an initial capital of Rs. 50 lakh,

to provide term loans, equity participation, and guarantees for new industrial

enterprise and for expansion or diversification of existing companies. The corporation

supplemented the Mysore State Financial Corporation set up in 1959, whose

assistance was limited to small and medium scale industries, while the KSIIDC

extended its assistance mainly to large enterprises and jointly with MSFC and All-

India Industrial Financial and Development Institutions.

During the Fourth Plan, the government took up the expansion, diversification

and modernisation of departmentally-managed and state-owned industries, it built up

the infrastructure for industrial development particularly in the backward areas. The

Fifth Plan too witnessed expansion and modernisation of departmentally-run State

undertakings to make them more economically viable and for development of rural

and cottage industries. An important development during 1966-67 was the advent of

the Mysore Industrial Area Development Board, to enable acquisition and

development of land for industrial estates and large scale industries. The government

also declared eleven areas as ‘growth’ areas and offered special concessions and

incentives in taxation and price preference.

During 1968-69, the government announced a ‘basket of incentives; for new

industries which included concessions in sales tax and electricity tax for prescribed

periods, reservation of government purchases and contribution or subsidy for the

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preparation of feasibility report. Given this atmosphere, many industrial enterprises

took birth in Karnataka.

It was but natural that several Central Government undertakings, such as the

Integral Coach Factory, the Bharath Earth Movers Limited, the Bharath Electronics

Limited, the Indian Telephone Industries Limited, the Hindustan Machine Tools

Limited, came up in Karnataka. The infrastructure available in the State, particularly

power and technical manpower, was the reason for this development.

An “Electronic City”, with an area of about 300 acres, was set up to house

about 265 electronic industries near Bangalore on the Hosur Road. The Karnataka

State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd., (KEONICS) was established by the

government, under the Companies Act, 1956, as its wholly owned unit with an initial

capital of Rs. 100 lakh.

Industrial Potential

The economic resources of any region can be classified under natural

resources and industrial resources. Among natural resources, there are organic ones-

those which are capable of reproducing themselves like forest, fish, etc., inorganic are

the ones lime stone, coal, mineral wealth, soil, etc. A region with larger organic

resources is more stable than one with larger inorganic resources. The State may be

said to possess all the resources in the right combination in properly balanced

proportions. As regards climate, topography, hydrology and geological features, there

is hardly a region in India, possessing such favourable ambience. In respect of human

resources, the state can be proud of its brilliant engineers, technicians and trust worthy

and competent traders and workers who are, in the words of Dr. K.D. Choksey,

“naturally laborious and of good adaptability toward any profession”.

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Karnataka is not too thickly populated so there is no undue pressure on land as

is the case with other parts of the country. Although important natural resources like

oil and coal are not available in the State, vast resources of other mineral deposits

make up for their absence. The total iron reserves in the State is estimated at 1000

million tones and the iron ore found in the Hospet, Sandur regions of Bellary district

are the richest.

Thus, it can be visualized that, the future of industrial development in

Karnataka is bright with the liberalized industrial policy of the Government and its

willingness to extend all possible assistance to the enterprising persons to setup

industries. Power sector, Electronic Software and Hardware industries, transport,

agriculture related, tourism etc., are all avenues, where fortune awaits the

hardworking entrepreneurs.

Profile of Bellary Districts

Historical background

This history of ‘Bellary’ dates back to 1131 A.D. with the inscription found at

Bylur, as ‘Bellare’ on the inscriptions at Kolur, Sindigeri, and Kurugodu, and also on

Hoyasala inscriptions at Belur (1161 A.D.) and Nagamangala (1178 A.D.). Over the

years the word ‘Bylur/Bellare’ became ‘Bellary’, the present name. Moreover, the

foot-prints of this origin can be found in the epic Ramayana. There is also another

story which discloses that the demon ‘Bella’ was killed by lord Sreehari (Vishnu) and

hence the name Bellary, which also sings true etymologically. In ancient times

Bellary was under the influence of various dynasties such as Shathavahana,

Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoyasala, Vijaynagara Kings and finally Mogul rulers. Later

in 1800, this area including other districts such as Anantapur, Cuddapah, and a portion

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of Kurnool was transferred to British territory under the agreed treaties. Until 1953,

they were in Madras presidency and subsequently transferred to the Mysore State with

7 talukas in October 1953. At present, Bellary district is the eleventh largest district

of the State of Karnataka, with a total population of about 16.56 millions.

Geographical Location

The District is situated between 140

30’ and 150

50’ north latitude and 770

40’

east longitude. The Bellary District is situated along the mid-eastern border of

Karnataka, surrounded by Raichur District in North, Chitradurga district in South,

Koppal District on the West and Anantapur District of A.P. towards East. The

District is situated in a semi arid zone. The geographical location is at 1512 ft. height

from the mean sea level. The district is located 304 kms from state capital Bangalore.

The geometrical area of Bellary district is 8420 sq. kms. The Western part of the

Bellary district is hilly with Iron and Manganese deposits.

Administrative Setup

Bellary district is a part of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region coming under the

purview of Hyderabad Karnataka Development Board (HKDB) for development

activities. The district belongs to Gulbarga Division for divisional administration.

The district consists of seven blocks namely Bellary, Hospet, Sandur, Siruguppa,

Kudligi, Hadagali and Hagaribommanahalli. The Bellary and Hospet are having

Town Municipalities and the rest of the blocks have Pattana Panchayat

Administrations. Recently, Bellary Municipal Corporation has been upgraded to

Corporation. The district has two revenue sub-divisions, one at Bellary and other one

at Hospet. All the seven blocks have talukas industries centers headed by either

Assistant Director or Industrial Promotion Officer.

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Soil Conditions and topographical features

The soil content in the eastern parts of the district is black cotton with red

loamy. The soil in the western region is predominantly sandy and red loamy. Soil

content in Siruguppa, Hospet, and Bellary blocks is deep black cotton type. Under the

irrigated conditions the soil could be used for paddy and sugar cane cultivation. The

soil in the Western parts of Sandur, Hospet and Bellary is red loamy with hilly area

having rich minerals like Iron ore or 65% ferrous and manganese or of 40-48%

manganese. The Tungabhadra River flows from western parts to eastern parts of the

district. Out of the total geographical area of 813196 Hectors, 97017 hectors is under

forest area. Hilly rocks are scattered in the eastern parts of the district.

Climatic Conditions

The Bellary district falls under semi arid zone with dry climate and the

average rain fall is 636 mm per annum. The temperature ranges from minimum 130

Celsius during December to a maximum 440 Celsius in the April and May. The wind

direction during March-September is south west to north east and with a speed of 5.83

to 18.15 km per hour. During June to October, south east to north west with a speed

of 3.83 to 9.5 km per hour. The relative humidity is much less in the eastern parts of

the Bellary. The district is known for its hot summer and a dry weather persists for a

major part of the year.

Major Rivers

The important river in the district is Tungabhadra and its tributaries. The

Tungabhadra River originates from the western parts of the State and enters the

district near Hadagali taluk and forms the western and northern boundary of the

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district and flows between Koppal and Bellary district. It covers the Hadagali,

Hagaribommanahalli, Hospet, and Siruguppa talukas of Bellary district. No

navigation is possible as its bed is rocky. The river leaves the district and enters the

Kurnool district of A.P. at Tellakundlur village in Siruguppa taluk. The length of the

river in the district is around 300 kms.

The other river Hagari enters Bellary district a few kms above Roopanagudi

village in Bellary taluk. The length of the river in the district is 92.8 kms and it joins

Tungabhadra River near Sridharagadda village in Siruguppa taluk. One more river

Chikka Hagari flows through Kudligi and Hadagali talukas and joins back water of

the Tungabhadra reservoir.

Tourism and Commercial Activities

The district is well known for the tourism sector. Some of the important

places of tourist are Hampi, a world heritage centre, Mylar at Hadagali, Ujjini Matha

at Kudligi and Kottureshwara Swamy Temple, Sri Kumar Swamy Temple at Sandur

block, Donimalai Town Ship developed by the NMDC i.e., National Mineral

Development Corporation. The major share in the revenue generated in the district is

from agriculture followed by the mining. Rural artisans are located in the interior

rural sector that has the skill in the manufacture of mirror embroidery, stone cutting,

woollen blanket manufacturing, silk saree manufacturing. The per capita income of

the district is Rs.6003 as compared to the State average of Rs. 7155; put the district at

14th

place in the state in terms of per capita income.

Agriculture

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The economy of the District depends largely on agriculture and its related

activities as 70% of the population are engaged in this sector. Out of seven blocks

nearly about 5 blocks are receiving irrigation from Tungabhadra reservoir. Total area

irrigated by canal irrigation is 1, 16,479 hectares. It is observed that on the banks of

Tungabhadra

River, the lift irrigation projects have come up extensively where farmers are

exclusively adopting modern technology for agriculture operations. Agricultural

Research Station working at Hagari, formed by University of Agricultural Sciences,

Dharwad is mainly responsible for providing all the detail information to the farmers

on agricultural operations. The important crops in the district are paddy, Rabi, Jawar,

Bajra, Wheat, Maize, Gram, Ground Nut, Sugar Cane, and Sunflower.

Horticulture

The Bellary district fall in semi arid zone, the soil and climate conditions are

suitable for raising plantation and horticulture crop. Nearly about 4.2% of the total

geographical area of the district is covered under plantation and horticulture crops

including vegetables. The National Watershed Development Programme in rain fed

areas, Desert Development Programme, Integrated Watershed Development

Programme and Karnataka Watershed Development Programme etc., are being

implemented in all the blocks except Hospet, which has been given importance for

dry land horticulture.

Horticulture Department is having office at Bellary and at all blocks. It has 13

nurseries at different places in the district where rising of plants/graft like mango,

pomegranate, fig, sapota, guava, coconut, etc., is undertaken.

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Animal Husbandry

As the agricultural labourers are not finding employment throughout the year

in their main occupation, naturally selected dairy activity as a subsidiary occupation

to supplement their income. There are 103 veterinary institutions, 7 mobile veterinary

clinics, 89 AI centers and one veterinary service center, 6 key village schemes sub-

centers and 6 sheep and wool extension centers located at different blocks. Karnataka

Milk Federation has extensively developed milk routes in interior rural areas. It has a

network of 141 Dairy Co-operative Societies with a total membership enrolment of

19427.

Poultry Farming

Of late, the district has achieved a distinction for poultry farming as the

existing climate is highly suitable. At present, there are 49 poultry layer units with

bird population of 13 lakh and 137 broiler units with a bird population of 2.14 lakh.

Infact, it has provided good avenues for employment wherein nearly about 3000

people are working.

Sheep, Goat and Piggery

Sheep and goat rearing is also a major activity commonly noticed in rural

areas, which supplement income and employment to many agricultural labourers.

However, pig rearing in the district is noticed in urban areas. The Sheep Breeding

and Research Centre at Kurekoppa is responsible for up gradation in quality,

imparting training and providing guidance to people. There are six sheep and wool

extension centers, exclusively attending to health care of sheep population.

Minerals

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The district is rich in natural resources with deposits of high quality iron ore

and manganese ore. It is estimated that ore deposits in the district is 1032.42 million

tones of high grade iron ore and 118.81 million tones of manganese ore. In addition,

other metallic ore like red oxide, gold, copper, lead, non-metallic minerals like

andalusite, asbestos, limestone, moulding sand, soap stone, granite etc., are also found

in large quantity. Mining activity is found largest in the district particularly at Bellary,

Sandur and Hospet talukas. This is one of the largest income generating activities

bestowed with huge employment opportunities to the people of the district. The

financial institutions have also deployed sizeable funds for providing vehicles, earth

moving equipments, etc., to mine owners and contractors. There are around 80

registered mine owners in the district.

Sericulture

The total area under sericulture as at the end of 1997-98 was 558 hectares has

been increased to 634 hectares by the end of June 2000. As per the data available,

sericulture is cultivated in 234 villages by 1281 farmers. The tie-up arrangement is

available from Sericulture Department for the sale of product. For this, two cocoon

markets, one at Bellary and other one at Kudligi have been set up by the department.

Forest Resource

The total area under forest in the district is about 97017 hectares which is 12%

of the total geographical area of the district. Forests are of two types viz., shrub forest

which is found largely in the eastern sector of the district being covered by acacia and

hirony shrubs and deciduous forest is mainly located in Sandur block and useful for

fuel wood.

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Water Resources and Irrigation

The district offers good scope for exploitation of surface and ground water.

The Tungabhadra river flow in 5 out 7 blocks is considered as life line of the people

in the district. The other two irrigation projects constructed across Narihalla near

Taranagar of Sandur Taluk and Malvi project across chikkahagari near H.B. Halli

provides irrigation to thousands of acres. The utilization of ground water available in

different blocks varies between 5% in Siruguppa block and 65% in H.B. Halli block.

As per the estimates, the balance of ground water available for further utilization is

estimated to be 33072 hams in the district, which do provide scope for about 9100

wells and 23100 bore wells.

Lift Irrigation

Tungabhadra River and its tributaries have provided an ample opportunity for

lift irrigation projects. The total irrigated area by the end of 2000 is 156466 hectares,

out of which 116479 is by channels, 26618 by wells and 13369 by tanks. There are

about 200 water tanks of which 22 have been considered as major tanks.

Fisheries

Bellary district is bestowed with huge scope for inland fisheries i.e., pond

fisheries, tank and river fisheries. The district has 145 irrigation tanks with water

spread over an area of 7951 hectares, three reservoirs with a water spread areas of

3930 ha, two rivers with a length of 210 kms and 340 kms length of irrigation canal.

The TB Command Area has got 20000 ha of irrigated land which is saline and water

logged and unfit for agriculture and can be converted into fishponds. There are 40624

fishermen families in the district of which 12044 are engaged in fish farm activities.

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Human Resources

Availability of human resources is a prerequisite for any industrial

establishments. The literacy rate of the district is relatively low i.e., 45.57% when

compared to the state average i.e., 56.4%. Yet, the district has sufficient skilled

personnel, who can support the development of industries in the districts. The

massive industrialization and heavy investment in some large and medium scale

industries in and around Bellary has created huge potential and opening new

challenges to the educational institutions to produce skilled personnel. Apart from the

traditional degree holders with Arts, Science and Commerce category, the district is

endowed with large number of ITI holders with sheet metal, welding, fitter, electrical

and turner trades. The existing three engineering colleges produce nearly about 500

engineers every year in different fields like mechanical, electronics, computers, civil,

and information technology. Above all, two management centers in the district turn

out around 100 students with management degrees.

However, in order to meet the emerging challenges in the district, there is a

need to create additional human resources or else to update the skills of the existing

labour force.

Infrastructural Facilities

Roads

The total length of road at the end of 2000 is 5020 kms; of which metallic road

is 3712 kms and non-metallic is 1237 kms. The State Highway with a length of 300

kms covers all the blocks in the district. There are two national highways viz., NH 13

and NH 63 provide good infrastructure support for transportation of goods and

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passengers. There is also an ongoing project wherein laying of the national highway

connecting Bidar and Sriranga pattana via Bellary is under progress.

Railways

There is about 313 kms of railway line with broad gauge facilities is available.

The Guntakal junction is just 52 kms from the Bellary, which connects the southern

railway and the northern railways. In most of the cases railways are mainly used for

transportation of mineral ores to export to foreign countries. The doubling of the line

between Hospet and Guntakal is almost near completion, eases the transportation of

mineral ores to a great extent.

Telecommunications

The district telephone department has provided telephone connections

extensively in urban and rural areas. There are 252 telegraphic offices, 89 telephone

exchanges in the district. The district is also well connected with 256 kbps internet

connectivity with large number of internet users. All the blocks are connected with

STD, FAX and internet facilities. Apart from the BSNL, Air Tel, Spice, and Hutch

mobile services are available in the entire district.

Airport

Though no flights are landing at the Airport, but the refilling station is very

much accessible. Infact, several entrepreneurs have come forward for extending

private aircraft facility in Bellary, which will be materialized very shortly. Presently,

the JSW Steel Plant at Toranagallu is providing the airport for domestic flights.

Tourism

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Hospet is well known tourism center where in maximum number of floating

population is recorded during period from October to May. It is estimated that every

year around 5 lakh tourists visit to Hampi and T.B.Dam, out of which around three

lakh visitors are foreigners. Hence, the district is also providing very good scope for

development of business and service activities.

Industrial Areas and Sheds

The growth of industrial development in the district is mainly depends upon

the nature of infrastructural facilities available to an entrepreneurs to establish the

project. Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) is the agency

recognized by the Government of Karnataka to acquire the land and to develop with

all the infrastructural facilities necessary to establish industrial centers on sustainable

basis.

In this respect the KIADB has developed 5 industrial areas in the district

comprising of 430 acres of land and formed 331 plots. Out of the plots formed, 237

have been allotted to 227 industries by the district single window agency. DIC,

Bellary has conducted a survey wherein it was found that 102 units are functioning,

47 units are under construction and 56 units are yet to initiate steps for

implementation. The number of units either defunct or closed is 22, constituting the

sickness in these industrial areas about 17.74%.

Financial Institutions

Bellary district possesses relatively better banking network with 187 branches

of different banks lending support for industries in different sectors. The per branch

population excluding co-operatives comes to 10481 which is higher than the state

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average of 10135. About 50% of the total branches are of commercial banks and more

than 60% of them are located in urban areas. The erstwhile Tungabhadra Gramin

Bank (now called Pragathi Gramin Bank) has got a total of branches, out of which

branches are in rural areas, in semi-urban areas and in urban centers. The Bellary

district credit co-operative bank has 23 branches, of which 9 are rural branches, which

are catering to the needs and requirements of the farmers, industrialists, etc.

Surprisingly, non-farm sector has received major attention from financial

institutions, where the achievement is more than 100% against the target. This may

be due to wide scope available for industrial sector.

Educational Facility

One of the important factors for the growth and development of industries is

availability of human resources. However, the educational facilities available in the

district are mainly responsible for the supply of requisite quantity and quality of

labour force. Infact, the literacy percentage in the district is at 59.1% for men and

32.2% for women which is less than the state average at 67.3% and 44.3% for male

and female respectively.

The existing professional/training institutions are 3 Engineering Colleges, 13

Industrial Training Institutes, 5 Polytechnic Colleges, 1 District Industrial and

Training Centre, 1 Artisans Training Institute, provide necessary skills and

knowledge to the people. Besides, many formal colleges in the district have started

job-oriented courses to impart practical training on different professional skills so as

to suit to the requirements of industries in the district.

Health

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The district is having 10 medical hospitals with 1450 bed capacity, 22 Nursing

Homes with 143 bed capacities, 52 primary health centres with 290 bed capacities.

There are 18 family welfare centers with 287 sub centers are shouldering the

responsibility of providing health and family welfare facilities to the people. Besides,

one autonomous medical college and an ayurvedic medical college are also providing

the medical facilities to the people.

State/Central level supporting agencies

District Industries Centre (DIC): DIC is playing a vital role in promoting

industrial activities in the entire district. Among other things, the important activities

undertaken by the DIC are conducting entrepreneurship development programmes,

assisting the applicants in financing their ventures with the help of financial

institutions, providing industrial sheds through KIADB, implementing various central

government schemes for unemployed youth, etc.

Syndicate Institute of Rural Entrepreneurship Development (SIRD): In order

to upgrade the industrial infrastructure, the Syndicate Bank has established SIRD at

Bellary. The main objective is to train the rural youths in various activities in the

form of skill development programmes on the lines of one being carried out by the

RUDSETI.

Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs): In the district there are 37 NGOs

are working out actively in providing training to the youth particularly in the rural

areas and out of which, 8 NGOs are participating in linkage programme with the

banks and providing extensive training for development of entrepreneurship

qualities/skills to the members of Self Help Groups.

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Sandur Kara Kusala Kendra (SSK): The main objective of committed NGOs is

to recognize the potential of traditional craft and harness it to be commercially viable.

To this end, the SKKK established in 1984 by the Sandur Manganese and Iron Ores

Limited (SMIORE) has transformed the lives of the local Lambani women and crafts

persons of Sandur and neighbouring regions. It is concentrating on the export of hand

made items like bamboo works, mirror embroidery work, stone cutting etc.

Steel Technological Training Institution: The Government of Karnataka has

taken a decision to start Steel Technological Resources Institute at Gulbarga

University, P.G. Centre campus, Nandihalli of Sandur taluk. The proposed institute

has been imparting training to 60 students in a year to promote steel industries by

exploiting the existing resources in the district.

Industrial scenario of the Bellary District at present

The existing industries in the district may be broadly categorized into: 1)

Mega Industries, 2) Medium and Large Scale Industries, 3) Tiny and Small Scale

Industries, and 4) Artisan Industries.

Mega Industries: There are four mega industries with each investment of more than

Rs.100 crores are functioning in the district. They are a) Jindal Vijayanagar Steel

Plant, b) Jindal Tractable Power Limited, c) Jindal Praxair Oxygen Limited, and d)

BSAL-Integrated Steel Plant (under implementation).

The total capital investment in these four mega projects is Rs.6, 400 crores and

they have provided employment to 2090 persons.

Medium and Large Scale Industries: There are 22 medium and large scale industries

in the district, however, three units have been closed and 19 units are actually

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functioning with a total capital investment of Rs.407.6 crores and provided

employment to 7782 persons.

Tiny and Small Scale Industries: There are more than 10237 small scale and tiny

industries functioning in the district as on 31-3-2001 with an investment of Rs.186.31

crores, providing employment opportunities to 46636 people. It can be observed from

the chart that during 1980 to 2000, there has been a quantum jump in the growth of

tiny and small scale industries in the district. Among the SSIs, the textile, chemical

and general engineering are dominating in the district.

After the formation of DIC during 1978 and new industrial policy of the Government

of Karnataka, the industrial growth in the district has gained momentum. The DIC

functions as a nodal agency in identifying prospective entrepreneurs and assisting in

selection of viable ventures, depending upon availability of local resources. In

addition to this, it takes up the implementation of various schemes of Government of

India like SEEUY, PMRY, TRYSEM, etc., have further contributed to the growth of

tiny and small scale industries in the district.

Artisan Industries: Artisans play a vital role in fulfilling the local demands by

producing various products with traditional craft like mirror embroidery, pottery,

kambli weaving, cotton weaving leather goods manufacturing, etc. There are more

11006 artisans and their families are engaged in various trades in different talukas of

the district.

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Tiny and SSI Units

It is observed that the tiny and small scale industrial units are concentrated

mainly in Bellary and Hospet talukas. Therefore, there is a need to promote small

scale industries in other talukas of the district. However, a brief analysis of some of

the existing and prospective small scale industries in the district is as follows:

Rice Industry: It is estimated that 447551 tons of paddy is produced in the district

mainly in the irrigation belt of Hospet, Bellary and Siruguppa. Presently there are 102

Rice Mills functioning with a total investment of about 29.64 crores and provided

direct employment to the tune of 1644 persons and indirect employment to 2000

persons. However, only 360000 tons per annum is being processed and the remaining

one being processed in other districts. Hence, there is a scope to establish rice mills

of the capacity of 2-3 tons per annum.

Readymade Garments (Jeans): There are more than 431 registered tiny and small

scale industries engaged in the manufacture of ready made garments particularly

jeans. And most of these units are concentrated in Bellary city itself. They in turn

provide direct employment to around 3000 persons and indirect employment to the

tune of 10000 persons. The total annual production of these units put together is 40.5

lakh pieces worth more than 150 crores. Besides, to meet the ever increasing demand,

there is enough scope to establish tiny and small scale units for manufacturing of

various materials like buttons, zips, hooks, tailoring threads, etc. to supplement the

main product.

Cotton Ginning and Pressing Unit: It is estimated that 99618 tons of cotton per

annum being produced in the district. In all there are 66 cotton ginning and pressing

units functioning in the district with total capacity of processing 3 lakh tons of cotton

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per annum. Though there is a little scope for establishing new cotton ginning and

pressing units, yet there is a wide scope to establish units in cotton seed oil

production, cotton spinning mills, solvent extraction plants, cotton seed flour unit, etc.

Plastic Industry: There are 6 PVC pipes manufacturing units located in the urban

area with an investment of Rs.30 lakh each with a production capacity of 2 MT

production. These units are directly supplying their products to Government

departments. Apart from there are 8 units are engaged in recycling the plastic waste,

with a capacity of 100 kgs per day. Unfortunately, due lack of demand in the

processed products in urban areas, these units are facing the shortage of working

capital. However, in rural segment still there is a good scope in the reprocessed

plastic products.

Red oxide Industry: In the district, there are 16 industries with a production

capacity of 4 tons per day are engaged in manufacture of oxide colors and red oxide.

The raw material is available in the Sandur, Hospet, Bellary blocks (2879

hectares with a 118.86 million tons ). These units cause lot of air pollution, which is

hazardous one. The market for this product is outside the district. Infact, there is a

good scope to establish another ten to fifteen units with a capacity of two tons per day

is encourageable in the district.

Jeans Washing Unit

There are around 42 Jeans washing unit with an investment of more than ten

lakh each, by a production capacity of 500 pants per day. In the recent days, due to

saturation of the business, there has been a cut throat completion. These units are still

using the good old technology and need to upgrade the latest on with the support

extent by NIFT Bangalore.

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Stone Cutting and Polishing Unit

In the entire district, around 30 industries are existing with an installed

capacity of 500 square feet per day, out of which 18 units are sick because of the drop

in export and local market. As per the discussion held with the local granite

manufacturing units they are facing lot of problems because of increase in cost of raw

materials, government policies like taxation, pollution norms, royalty etc. Infact, it is

predicted that the scope of this sector is limited.

Tamarind powder

Tamarind is used as souring material in food preparations. Instead of using

tamarind pulp, tamarind concentrate or powder can be used in the processing the food

items. The CFTRI has developed technology for making both tamarind concentrate

and powder. The annual production of tamarind in the district is 20000 tons.

Presently, there are no units manufacturing this product in the district. Besides, there

is a good scope for exporting this product.

Absorbant Cotton

Absorbant cotton is also known as surgical cotton and is mainly used for

medical purpose. There is a scope for setting up small scale units due to ever

increasing demand for this product. Three types of cotton namely raw cotton, soft

cotton, and lintels from ginning factor can be used as raw material. The production of

cotton from ginning factories in the district is three lakh tons per annum.

Fly Ash Bricks

Fly ash bricks are used as building material. The existing large scale

industries like JSW Ltd., Jindal Tractable Power Ltd., and Bellary Thermal Power

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Plant are producing fly ash in abundant quantity. It is estimated that about 8 lakh tons

of fly ash is available in the district.

Hard board

There are 102 rice mills processing around 3.6 lakh tons of paddy in the

district. At present the paddy husk produced is used as a fuel and is available in

abundant quantity. Now, the technology is available in the market for manufacturing

hardboard by using paddy husk.

Poultry and cattle feed:

Poultry and cattle feed is necessary for providing balanced food to animals and

birds. As per the 2000 live stock census, Bellary district has 374800 cattle, 178000

buffalos, 518300 sheep/goat, and 1264400 poultry population. There is a demand for

100229 tons of cattle feed and 46150 tons of poultry feed per annum in the district.

Nylon Zip Fasteners

Zip fasteners or zippers is a slide fastener for binding the edges of an opening

such as on a garment, or a bag. It is also used as a locking device in various leather,

rexin textile and plastic articles, such as leather purses, zip folio cases, suit cases,

ladies hand bags, foot wears, jeans garments etc. Bellary jeans garment industries

consumes more than 5000000 zips per annum. At present there are no units in Bellary

and the entire demand being met by Bombay and Calcutta market.

Plastic Buttons

Plastic buttons are manufactured from polyester sheets or acrylic sheets by die

punching technique. Plastic buttons are required in garment industry. The demand of

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plastic buttons in Bellary district is 25 tons per annum. At present 3/4th

of the demand

is met by Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Cottage industries: These are generally found in all the taluks of the district. There

are 11006 artisans engaged in variety of activities like tailoring, leather work, black

smithy, mirror embroidery, pottery, cane bamboo works, stone cutting, gold and silver

smithy.

The District Industries Centre is encouraging rural artisans and cottage

industries ;in the district by providing ;training and subsidy. So far it has trained 374

artisans under TRYSEM, 465 under Self Component Plan and 123 under Rural

Artisans Programme. Sandur Kara Kusala Kendra (SSK) is carrying out tremendous

work on handicrafts.

The prospective entrepreneurs are being assisted by KIADB by developing

industrial areas. In all, it has developed five industrial areas in the district comprising

of 430 acres of land formed 331 plots. Out of this, 237 plots have been allotted to 227

industries by the district single window agency. The survey report conducted by the

District Industries Centre (DIC) reveals that 102 units are functioning, 47 units are

under construction and 56 units are yet to initiate steps for implementation. The

number of units either defunct or closed is 22, constituting the sickness in these

industrial areas as about 17.74 percent.

The availability of human resources is also a pre requisite for any industrial

establishment. The literacy percentage is 59.1 percent for men and 32.2 percent for

women. The district is blessed with three engineering colleges, thirteen it is, five

polytechnic college, one district industrial and training centre, which providing

technical skills to the people. Besides, many formal degree colleges and post

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graduate centres are offering job oriented courses to the students. Recently, a

separate university has been formed under the name as Vijayanagara Sri

Krishnadevaraya University, at Alipur, Bellary.

The DIC has shouldered the responsibility of providing training to the youth to

venture into industrial activities. This is mainly due to massive industrialisation in

and around Bellary during the recent years. It is conducting EDPs since its inception

covering rural artisans to the business technocrats. With an objective to train the rural

youth in skill development programme on the lines of RUDSETI, the Syndicate Bank

has established SIRD, i.e., Syndicate Institute of Rural Entrepreneurship

Development. In the entire district, there are 37 NGOs, actively participating in

linkage programmes with banks and providing extensive training for development of

entrepreneurship qualities to the members of Self Help Groups (SHGs).

The Government of Karnataka has taken a decision to start Steel

Technological Resources Institute at P.G. Centre Campus, Nandihalli, of Sandur

Taluk, to promote steel industries. In the recent budget, allocation has been made to

start an Apparel Park to promote garment industry.

Presently, the existing industries can be broadly categorized into i) Mega

Projects, ii) Medium and Large Scale Industries, iii) Tiny and Small Scale Industries,

and iv) Artisan industries. Thus, the district is recognized as an industrial base for

steel, cement, rice mills, readymade garments and textile. The cotton based industries

and oil extraction units contribute significantly to Bellary’s growing economy. The

cotton being a commercial crop, contributes heavily to the 48 cotton based industries

in the district. Groundnut and sunflower cultivation contribute to the 45 oil extraction

units in the district. In the near future, the important sectors on which focus has been

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paid are mining, textiles and apparels, automobiles and auto ancillaries and

agriculture and food processing.

There are 48 large and medium industries in the district with an investment of

Rs. 6,193.28 crores. There are 353 Factories in the District. The prominent players

are JSW Ltd; JSW Cements; MSPL; Bellary Thermal Power Corporation; Siruguppa

Sugars & Chemicals, Mukund Steels; and Kalyani Steels.

Small Scale Industries: There are 15,924 small scale industries with an investment

of Rs. 56,780 lakh and; providing employment to 76,571 persons. The following

table shows the growth of Small Scale Industries over a period of five years from

2004-05 to 2009-10.

Table4.1 investment and employment generation in SSI units

Years Units Investment

( Rs. In Lakh)

Employees

2004-05 422 1,631 1,885

2005-06 578 2,040 2,348

2006-07 496 1,915 1,962

2007-08 604 2,819 4,190

2008-09 707 5,411 5,013

209-10 950 7,034 5,090

Total 3,757 20,850 20,488

Source: Advantage Karnataka Global Investors Meet,

www.advantagekarnataka.com.

The small scale industries registered with the DIC in the recent past are presented in

the following tables.

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Table 4.2 Type of industries in the Bellary district since 5 years

Sl.No. Industries 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

1 Textile 115 170 69 141 449

2 Chemicals 001 005 15 035 009

3 Engineering 001 037 026 03 012

4 Others 13 077 187 076 044

5 Other industries 259 262 253 584 439

Total employees 2578 3007 4273 4087 5090

Source: Joint Director, DIC, Bellary

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Table 4.3 SSI registered with the DIC since five years

Sl.No. Industry 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

1 Automobile -- -- -- 02 01

2 Electricals &

Electronics

-- 06 17 21 12

3 Chemicals 01 05 15 35 09

4 Ferrous & Non Ferrous -- -- -- -- --

5 Food & Beverages 81 80 64 102 59

6 Glass & Ceramics 34 48 06 32 --

7 Job Works & Repairs 101 90 82 357 336

8 Leather 02 04 04 20 02

9 Mechanical Engineering 41 37 26 34 12

10 Paper & Printing 06 10 12 13 02

11 Rubber & Plastics 05 08 08 10 06

12 Textiles 115 170 69 141 449

13. Wood 30 16 60 27 21

14 Others 134 77 187 76 44

Total 550 551 550 870 953

Employment 2578 3007 4273 4087 5090

Source: Joint Director, DIC, Bellary.

A profile of the Taluks in Bellary District

Hadagali Taluk

Hadagali taluk takes its name from its headquarters town. There are several

stories in circulation regarding the origin of its name. The full name of the village is

Huvina Hadagali. Huvu means flower; Hadaga means boat and Halli means village.

Therefore it is a “village of flower boat”. It is believed that when the city of

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Vijayanagara flourished flowers needed for temples and palace were floated down

from Tungabadhra from this place. As if to confirm this even today it can be seen

number of old wells and gardens in this place. The taluk is bounded on the south by

the Harpanahalli taluk of Davanagere district, on the north by Mundargi and Sirahatti

of Gadag district, on the east by the Hagaribommanahalli taluk and on the west by

Haveri and Ranebennur taluks of Haveri district.

The geographical area of the taluk is 948 sq.km. and population is 168118 as

per 2001 census. This accounts for 8.29 p.c. of district’s population and its area

accounts for 11 p.c. This taluk occupies sixth place both in area and population. It

comes under the administrative jurisdiction of Hospet revenue sub-division with 3 R I

circles. However Hadagali is one of the two Z P Engineering sub-divisional

headquarters in the district.

Hadagali is one of the most backward taluks in respect of industrialization in

the district. In this taluk there are 607 industrial units with an investment of Rs.

396.33 lakh. These units provide employment to 2051 persons. There are 1089 Rural

artisans whose activity comprises of Carpentry, Blacksmith, Barbers, Tailoring, Rope

making, Pottery, Lather, Cotton weaving and Mat weaving.

Hagaribommanahalli Taluk

Hagaribommanahalli (H B Halli) taluk is the headquarters town of the taluk of

the same name, at a distance of 110 kms from Bellary city. Incidentally this is only

taluk with no urban areas in its jurisdiction in the state. A number of families from the

submerged villages of the Tungabadhra project have been rehabilitated here. The

taluk is bounded on the north by the Koppal district on the south by Kudligi taluk, on

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the east by the Hospet taluk and on the west by Hadagali taluk.. HB Halli taluk

occupies 5th place in area and last place in population among seven taluks. The

geographical area of the taluk is 974 sq.km. and population is 159886 as per 2001

census. This accounts for 8 p.c. of district’s population and its area accounts for 11.50

p.c. HB Hall comes under the jurisdiction of Hospet revenue sub-division with 4 R I

circles.

H.B. Halli taluk is another taluk in the district where industrialiation is making

progress at snail’s pace. In this taluk there are 869 industrial units with an investment

of Rs. 746.28 lakh. These units provide employment to 3141 persons. There are 1085

Rural artisans whose activity comprises of Carpentry, Blacksmith, Barbers,

Goldsmith, Pottery, Cotton weaving, Mat weaving and Mirror Embroidery.

Hospet Taluk

Hospet taluk takes its name from its headquarters town. The headquarters

town is about 64 kms away from Bellary city. It was built by Vijayanagara empire

between 1509 and 1520 in honour of Nagaladevi whom he married. The taluk is

bounded on the north by the Gangavathi taluk of Koppal district, on the south by

Sandur taluk, on the east by the Bellary taluk and on the west by H B Halli taluk.

Hospet taluk is the smallest in area and occupies second place in population among

seven taluks.

The geographical area of the taluk is 934 sq.km. and population is 3,74,949 as

per 2001 census. This accounts for 18.49 p.c. of district’s population and its area

accounts for 11 p.c. Hospet is revenue sub-division headquarters with 4 taluks. Hospet

has 4 R I circles.

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Hospet is one of the important towns in the districts where industrialization

taking place rapidly. In this taluk there are 2974 industrial units with an investment of

Rs. 3994.20 lakh. These units provide employment to 15602 persons. Among medium

and large scale units Tungabhadra minerals (Iron ore), Sandur manganese and Iron

ores, Vyasanakere (Ferrosilicon, Ferro manganese), K.O.F. limited (Oil, Oilcake, Oils

Seeds), Pumpasara distillery ltd., (Rectified spirit and I.M.FI, India Sugar’s and

Refinance (Sugar), Minerals Sales private ltd., (Sponge Iron) and Tungabhadra Steel

Products, (Engineering design and fabrication). There are 1452 Rural artisans whose

activity comprises of Carpentry, Blacksmith, Barbers, Goldsmith, Pottery, Cotton

weaving, Silk weaving, Mat weaving and Mirror Embroidery.

Kudligi Taluk

Kudligi taluk takes its name from its headquarters town which is at a distance

of 80 kms. from Bellary city. The taluk is bounded on the north by the HB Halli and

Sandur taluks, on the south by Jagalur taluk of Davanagere district and Molakalmuru

taluk of Chitradurga district, on the east by the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh

and on the west by Harpanahalli taluk of Davanagere district. Kudligi taluk is the

second largest in area and third largest in population among seven taluks.

The geographical area of the taluk is 1602 sq.km. and population is 272183 as

per 2001 census. This accounts for 13 p.c. of district’s population and its area

accounts for 19 p.c. Kudligi taluk comes under the jurisdiction of Hospet revenue sub-

division with 4 R I circles.

Industrialization is one of the important means of promoting economic

development of the country. Kudligi is industrially a backward taluk in the district. In

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this taluk there are 778 industrial units with an investment of Rs. 525.48 lakh. These

units provide employment to 2746 persons. There are 3012 Rural artisans whose

activity comprises of Carpentry, Blacksmith, Lather, Goldsmith, Rope making,

Pottery, Cotton weaving, Silk weaving, Mat weaving and Mirror embroidery.

Sandur Taluk

Sandur the princely state, which had an area of just 1258 sq.kms. and a

population of 1,91,166 was surrounded on all sides by the taluks of Bellary district of

the erstwhile Madras State (1947). Under the circumstances, it had no option except

to cooperate with the Government of India which took up the task of integrating the

princely states. On 1st April the administration of Sandur was transferred to the

Government of India. In the year 1950 by adding Choranur and Torangal RI circles

Sandur had become a separate taluk of Bellary district. In olden days it was called

Skandapuri ie., the city of Skanda or Kumaraswamy whose temple is situated nearby

Sandur. This is a border taluk to Andhra Pradesh where 25 villages of Karnataka fall

on the border of the said state. The taluk is bounded on the north and west by the

Hospet taluk, on the south by Kudligi taluk and on the east by the Bellary taluk.

Sandur taluk occupies 3rd place in area and 5th place in population size.

The geographical area of the taluk is 1258 sq.km. and population is 1,91,166

as per 2001 census. This accounts for 9.43 p.c. of district’s population and its area

accounts for 15 p.c. Sandur taluk comes under the jurisdiction of is Bellary. revenue

sub-division with 3 R I circles.

Sandur is one of the important taluks in the district where industrialization is

taking place rapidly. This is because of the establishment of Jindal Steel Factory at

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Toranagallu. In this taluk there are 857 industrial units with an investment of Rs.

851.83 lakh. These units provide employment to 3084 persons. Among medium and

large-scale units Sandur Micro Circuits Ltd., (Capacitors Network) and N.M.D.C.

Ltd., Donimalai (Iron Ore). There are 928 Rural artisans whose activity comprises of

Carpentry, Blacksmith, Goldsmith, Rope making, Pottery, Lather, Tailoring, Stone

cutting, Mat weaving and Mirror embroidery.

Siruguppa Taluk

Siruguppa taluk takes its name from its headquarters town. Siruguppa means

“pile of wealth”. This taluk came into existence w e f 1st October 1910 after merging

46 villages from the Bellary taluk, 29 from the Adoni taluk and 23 from the Alur

taluk. However Siruguppa taluk was abolished on 1st April 1923. But again, w e f

15th April 1929, 33 villages from the Adoni taluk,7 villages from Alur taluk along

with the villages included in the Siruguppa Deputy Tahsildar’s division of Bellary

taluk, constituted into a new taluk with Siruguppa as its Headquarters. This is a

border taluk where a significant number of people speak deluge. There is perfect

harmony between Kannada and Telugu speaking people. The taluk is bounded on the

north by the Sindhanoor taluk of Raichur district, on the south by Bellary taluk and

the east by the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh and on the west by Hospet and

Bellary taluks. Siruguppa taluk occupies 4th place both in area and population.

The geographical area of the taluk is 1042 sq.km. and population is 2,35,344

as per 2001 census. This accounts for 12 p.c. of both district’s population and its area.

Siruguppa comes under Bellary revenue sub-division. The lands surrounding

Ibrahampura and Desanur are reputed to be among the best lands in the district.

Paddy, plantations, cocoanuts, sweet potatoes and garlic are sent to other places in

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large quantities. There are 4 RI circles with 83 revenue villages. Siruguppa and

Tekkalakote towns have Town Panchayats.

Siruguppa taluk occupies third place after Bellary and Hospet taluks in

industrial activity when number of units is taken into consideration. In this taluk there

are 1016 industrial units with an investment of Rs. 3293.95 lakh. These units provides

employment to 4528 persons. Among medium and large scale units Siruguppa Sugar

and Chemicals (Sugar), Unimetal Ispat Ltd, and (Foundry grade pig Iron) are worth

mentioning. There are 1653 Rural artisans whose activity comprises of Carpentry,

Blacksmith, Barbers, Goldsmith, Rope making, Pottery and Cotton weaving.

It is a pride privilege to mention to here success stories of the small scale

industries in the district. Infact, they entrepreneurs of these units are oftenly invited by

the District Industry Centre through the interact with the prospective entrepreneurs

who are undergone entrepreneurship development programmes. They are as under –

Munoth Apparels Pvt. Ltd., -- Mr. Babul al Jain

Pawan Jeans Washing Unit—Mr. Mallikarjun

Krishna Stones Pvt. Ltd., --Dr. Ramesh Gopal

Monika Bricks Units—Smt. Durgambika

B.B. Brothers –Point Blank Brand—Mr. Bharani.

Summary

In the preceding chapter an attempt is made to present a brief industrial profile

of major industry in Karnataka state in general and Bellary district in particular. The

district rich in its mineral resources and the industrial scenario is a dominated by

garment industry followed by steel and engineering based industries. Hence, there is a

wider scope to emerge more potential entrepreneurs to take up small enterprises on

large scale.