Bengaluru: Karnataka’s IT exports are expected to exceed Rs 5.5 lakh crore this financial year, with the bulk originating from Bengaluru despite efforts to diversify across the state, IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge told the assembly Wednesday. Replying to a question from BJP’s Vedavyas Kamat, Priyank said the state’s IT exports have consistently increased, and services exported cumulatively exceeded Rs 12 lakh crore over the past three years (from 2022-23). “In 2022-23, our IT-BT exports stood at Rs 3.5 lakh crore, and it rose to Rs 4 lakh crore in 2023-24,” Priyank said. “Last year (2024-25), it increased to Rs 4.5 lakh crore. I am 100% confident we will cross Rs 5.5 lakh crore when the current year closes on March 31.” He said while Bengaluru contributes the bulk, other cities like Mysuru and Mangaluru are gradually aiding the sector’s growth. “Of the Rs 5.5 lakh crore, Mysuru city contributes around Rs 3,000 crore, while Mangaluru and the coastal region contribute around Rs 3,500 crore. Belagavi and Hubballi contribute between Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 2,500 crore. The rest comes from Bengaluru city,” he said. On demands from BJP members to set up IT parks in the coastal region, the minister said the govt was already working on it. In a subtle dig at BJP, he insisted a “conducive environment” was necessary. In Feb, the minister had claimed the coastal districts’ perceived communal image — specifically its reputation as a “Hinduvta lab” — was deterring investors. “Within a week or so, the criteria will be simplified,” Priyank said. “We are also trying to introduce an Ocean Farming policy. This is an important cluster not only for the state but for the country. The potential is immense.” Priyank said the govt is treating Manipal, Udupi, and Mangaluru on the coast as a cluster and has brought them under the Economic Accelerator Programme. “Under the Beyond Bengaluru Cluster initiative, a seed fund of Rs 25 crore has been released,” he said. Highlighting regional economic disparities, Priyank said: “I want to bring it to the notice of the legislator that the district GDP of Bengaluru accounts for nearly 40%. The next closest is Mangaluru with 5.4%, and the third is 3.4%. Where is 40% and where is 5.4%? I honestly say that if we create a suitable environment for capital investment in that region, it can achieve around 3% growth in the next three years.”
