Sharath Bachegowda’s remarks at South First’s Dakshin Dialogues 2024 served as a powerful reminder of Karnataka’s pivotal role in shaping India’s tech-driven future.
Published Oct 06, 2024 | 5:54 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 07, 2024 | 6:10 PM
Sharath Bachegowda at Dakshin Dialogues 2024 (SouthFirst)
In an ever-evolving job market, Karnataka has taken bold strides to ensure its workforce remains competitive and future-ready.
Spearheading these efforts is the Information Technology and Biotechnology ministry, led by minister Priyank Kharge, whose vision has been central to the state’s initiatives in the field of skilling and employability.
The session on “Skill Gap and Employability” being attended by Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman of KEONICS, Government of #Karnataka; Prof. PJ Narayanan, Director, IIIT Hyderabad; and moderated by Prof. Ramesh Loganathan, IIIT #Hyderabad has started.@SBG4Hosakote… pic.twitter.com/6k6fWhthxk
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 5, 2024
Sharath Bachegowda, MLA of Hoskote and Chairman of KEONICS, GoK represented Karnataka’s IT and BT department at the Dakshin Dialogues 2024 in Hyderabad. Addressing key stakeholders on the theme “People & Technology: Governance for Tomorrow.” In his session – “Skill Gap and Employability”- he underscored the critical role South India’s IT ecosystem plays in shaping the country’s future, with Karnataka leading the charge.
Bachegowda emphasised that South India contributes 60 percent of India’s IT exports, with Karnataka standing at the forefront of this success story.
Karnataka’s thriving IT sector has attracted global attention, with over 400 Fortune 500 companies operating in the state, making it a hub for innovation and technological advancement.
The state’s leadership in the India Innovation Index is a testament to its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting a vibrant tech ecosystem.
“Karnataka is home to nearly 18,000 DPIIT-recognised startups and contributes an impressive 3 percent to India’s unicorns,” Bachegowda pointed out, highlighting the state’s dynamic startup culture.
With over $10.4 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows last year, particularly in the IT and biotechnology sectors, Karnataka has solidified its position as a global destination for cutting-edge technology and research.
One of the key takeaways from Bachegowda’s session was the emphasis on multi-dimensional skill development programs. Karnataka has been a frontrunner in skilling initiatives, blending traditional vocational training with emerging technologies.
The state government’s proactive approach has resulted in a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation while equipping youth with the skills necessary for a fast-changing job market.
Sharath Bachegowda at Dakshin Dialogues 2024 (SouthFirst)
Bachegowda highlighted the state’s emphasis on AI, data analytics, and other digital skills, which have become critical in the post-pandemic era.
“Technology is no longer a sector-specific skill—it cuts across industries. Our focus is to ensure that Karnataka’s workforce is not only employable but also adaptable to these emerging trends,” he stated.
The session also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving skilling initiatives. Bachegowda pointed to Karnataka’s collaboration with industry giants and startups to create tailored training programs that align with market demands.
“We work closely with industry leaders to ensure our skilling programs are relevant and impactful,” he said. This collaborative approach has allowed the state to anticipate and respond to shifts in the global job market.
For instance, the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC) has been instrumental in facilitating these partnerships, focusing on sectors like IT, manufacturing, and healthcare, while simultaneously preparing the workforce for newer industries like renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
In addition to targeting urban centres, Karnataka has also taken initiatives to reach the state’s rural and marginalised communities.
Bachegowda spoke about programs that aim to bridge the rural-urban divide, ensuring access to training and employment opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. These efforts are complemented by vocational training centres and mobile skilling units, which bring learning to even the most remote areas.
Bachegowda emphasised that a significant portion of these skilling efforts focus on women and underrepresented groups, helping them find employment in tech-driven fields where they have historically been underrepresented. “We are committed to making our programs inclusive, ensuring that every community has access to these opportunities,” he said.
Karnataka’s initiatives are particularly focused on youth employability, given the state’s large young population. Bachegowda mentioned programs aimed at reskilling and upskilling young graduates who face challenges entering the workforce.
“Many graduates lack the practical skills needed for the jobs available today. We’re addressing this gap by working directly with educational institutions and offering finishing schools to make students job-ready,” he explained.
A key focus of Bachegowda’s address was the Nipuna Skilling Program, a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the talent gap in the state’s burgeoning tech industry. “As technology evolves, so must our workforce,” he stated, stressing the importance of reskilling and upskilling to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market.
Shri. @SBG4Hosakote , Chairman of Keonics, Department of Electronics, IT, and BT, attended the Dakshin Dialogues in Hyderabad today, addressing key stakeholders on the theme “People & Technology: Governance for Tomorrow.”
1/4@PriyankKharge @DrCaur pic.twitter.com/BdTrmDHkBE
— ITBT Karnataka (@ITBTGoK) October 5, 2024
He called for collaboration among states, industries, and civil society to drive meaningful change and enhance governance, particularly in South India. Bachegowda urged stakeholders to leverage the region’s strength in IT to not only boost economic growth but also improve governance through technology-driven solutions.
Bachegowda’s remarks at Dakshin Dialogues 2024 served as a powerful reminder of Karnataka’s pivotal role in shaping India’s tech-driven future.
From leading in innovation to building a robust startup ecosystem and attracting global investments, Karnataka’s initiatives—anchored by strong public-private partnerships—are positioning the state as a model for technological governance in the country.
“We need to ensure our people are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities the future holds,” Bachegowda concluded, signalling a strong commitment to driving the next wave of growth in both technology and governance for Karnataka and South India as a whole.
Dakshin Dialogues 2024 was presented by KarPing in association with Governments of Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka along with Ichor Biologics, Start up Karnataka, ELCOT, K-Tech with IIIT-Hyderabad as knowledge partners.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
