Karna cabinet approves bio-tech policy for 2017-22

Karnataka Cabinet today gave its approval to the state Bio-Technology Policy 2017-22 which will give further impetus for the growth of the sector, state Minister T B Jayachandran said.

"There is huge potential for Bio Technology in Bengaluru and Karnataka... after similar policy starting in 2001 and then again Millennium Biotech Policy, we are now bringing in a new policy for 2017-2022...," he told reporters here.

The policy "will give further impetus for the sectors growth in the state," the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister said.

He said the policy aims to give support to new innovations in the sector like synthetic biology, anti-microbial resistance, rare diseases, orphan drug, stem cells, regenerative medicines and medical devices.

The cabinet also approved establishment of Centre of Excellence for Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence on a hub and spokes model in Bengaluru at a estimated cost of Rs 40 crores.

It has also given approval to implementation of public bicycle sharing system in Bengaluru at an estimated capital cost of of Rs 80.18 crore along with approval for establishment of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Bengaluru smart city mission, Jayachandra said.

On the winter session of the Karnataka Legislature, the cabinet authorised the Chief Minister to decide on the schedule, which is most likely to be in November in northern border state of Belagavi, he said.

Administrative approval was also given for induction of 3,000 buses to the fleet of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation out of which 1,500 buses will be purchased and rest will be taken on a lease basis from private, he added.

Water Resources Minister M B Patil, who was also present at the media briefing, said the cabinet had given nod for the revised estimate of Rs 51,148.94 crore for upper Krishna irrigation project third phase.

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