Bangalore, Oct 23 (KNN) In a bid to provide quality skilled workforce easily to industry, the state government is working on strengthening skills of our workforce, said Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday.

The Chief Minister said this while speaking at a special session of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) 7th National Forum.

“Karnataka is already the hub for IT & ITes service which is in line with recently introduced IT policy 2020-25. We should help increase Karnataka's share in India's goal of a USD 5 Trillion digital economy and to achieve this goal,'' he added.

Yediyurappa, said that the state is taking stringent measures to ensure that the economic growth of the state is sustained.

''The government of Karnataka is focussing on building on the new Industrial policy and the Industrial Facilitation Act to get projects off the ground fast,'' he said.

“In 2020, Karnataka has attracted investments worth Rs 1.38 lakh crore, highest in India, which would create 70,000 direct jobs in the state,” he added.

Jagadish Shettar, Minister for Large and Medium Industries said, “Our government has launched a new industry policy 2020-25 to build a prosperous Karnataka and create jobs for the youth. The government is to create 20 lakh jobs in various sectors.”

Shettar further said that the government is ensuring the labour norms are being made easier and the state would welcome.

''The five sectors where focus is being given are automobiles, aerospace, IOT, biotech and artificial intelligence,'' he added.

Gaurav Gupta, Principal Secretary- Commerce & Industry, Government of Karnataka said, “Karnataka has been able to help the industries to not only revive but also implement policies in order to protect the people, workers and to ensure economic revival and growth. COVID has been a forum for the government to focus on the policies which have been there from a long period of time”.

Gupta also said that the state is working towards building close linkages with companies in many high technology sectors to ensure that skills are developed to meet the needs of industry.

“We are also looking at the deeper integration with the global value chain, localising the supply chain around Karnataka. We are closely working with industries including electronics, toys, pharma, textile, agriculture implements, fast moving consumer goods among other industries to harness their potential to support the economic growth of the country,'' he added.