Industrial park to mould business women soon

Bengaluru: In an effort to promote entrepreneurial skills among women, the state government is planning an exclusive Women’s Industrial Park at Harohalli in Kanakapura taluk of Bengaluru Rural district.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Additional Chief secretary, Industries department, K. Ratna Prabha said, "It is part of our new industrial policy which is devoted to helping women entrepreneurs, therefore, we came out with this plan to set up an exclusive Women’s Industrial park in Harohalli. Though we have earmarked 300 acres for this project, initially we will develop 100 acres."

According to her, the first of its kind park in Harohalli will have a creche, women police station, toilets and bus stops. "This will be like gated a community. We are also planning to hire a woman architect to plan and develop this industrial park," Ms Ratna Prabha said.

She added that this initiative is aptly named Strengthening Her Enterprise (SHE), where women entrepreneurs can set up their shops and will also be given incentives like stamp duty exemption as well as land conversion fee up to 75 per cent, which otherwise isn't given to anyone who wishes to establish a unit in and around Bengaluru.

The state government will also establish exclusive women clusters in textile and gems and jewellery parks. "The initiative SHE is also aimed at giving support to first generation women entrepreneurs on starting a new business by helping them secure financial assistance and giving them marketing assistance too, she explained.