Infosys promised jobs, but we got empty promises and trees: Karnataka BJP MLA Arvind Bellad

Infosys, the Bengaluru-based software giant, faced severe criticism in the Karnataka assembly on February 13 for not generating any employment at its Hubballi campus. Arvind Bellad, the deputy leader of the opposition and BJP leader, called for the government to revoke the 58 acres of land allocated to Infosys in Hubballi due to their failure to create jobs.

Criticism in the Assembly

During a discussion on local employment opportunities at industrial establishments in the session, Bellad, representing Hubballi-Dharwad (West), stated, "Infosys took 58 acres in an industrial estate in my constituency but has not created a single job, only engaging in gardening and landscaping."


He tweeted on X, "Betrayal at its finest! Infosys promised jobs, but all we got were empty promises and trees. Infosys Hubli was granted 58 acres of land which is in my constituency with the aim of fostering employment for the entire North Karnataka region, yet it has failed to deliver on job creation. As a representative, I can't face the farmers I pacified anymore. It's time for Infosys to face the consequences and for the government to reclaim the land that’s rightfully ours."


Land Acquisition and Alleged Promise

Bellad highlighted that Infosys received land at a discounted rate of Rs 35 lakh per acre, compared to its actual value of Rs 1.5 crore. He expressed concern over convincing farmers to part with their lands with the assurance of job creation for their children.

Government's Response

IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge suggested that incentives could be withdrawn in such cases. Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil assured that he would investigate the issue, stating, "If no progress has been made after land acquisition, we will issue notices and take action."

Infosys' Hubballi campus, which has a capacity to house 1,500 techies, was cleared in 2013. The campus was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore. "If land was taken, but nothing was done, then we will issue notice and take action," Patil said without naming Infosys.

Assurance and Penalties
The minister stressed that it is mandatory for jobs to be given to families who lost land in lieu of the industrial investment. "Be it Infosys or any company, if land losers aren't given jobs based on their educational qualification, we can withdraw incentives. We can even withdraw the land in stringent action," Patil said.

Patil also assured the government's commitment to ensuring jobs for those who relinquish land at Taiwanese giant Foxconn's plant in Doddaballapur.