DK Shivakumar urges tech companies to pledge their CSR funds for rural schools in Karnataka

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday urged technology companies to invest their CSR funds for development of rural schools in Karnataka.

“I have had discussions with several people including Rishad Premji of Wipro and they have committed to invest Rs 2000 crores to improve the quality of education in rural areas,” Shivakumar said, speaking at the inauguration of the three-day long Bangalore Tech Summit.

The State government is trying to implement a new education system. If the quality of education in rural schools is improved, students from the interior of Karnataka will be able to compete at a global stage, he said.


The deputy CM lauded information technology and biotechnology companies for their contribution to the State’s exchequer. Thousands of companies in Bengaluru are paying taxes helping augment the finances of the government. “While companies are strengthening the finances of the government, the companies also expect some incentives from the government. We have to work together,” he said.

Bengaluru has earned its place in the world of technology. It is possible due to the ecosystem the city has to offer. Bengaluru and Karnataka have one of the highest numbers of engineering and medical colleges. Of the five million IT employees in India, two million are in Karnataka. No other State has so much human resource, he added.

“Karnataka has a rich human resource and is very peaceful, I can guarantee you that. You need to tell us what more you need so that we can fulfil it. We have to work together on this,” he added.