Tuesday, October 18 2005 15:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Taking an indirect dig at former Prime Minister H D Devegowda for his stand on allotment of land to IT companies, Maharastra Governor S M Krishna today (Oct 18, 2005) said nothing should be done to 'denigrate' the IT industry which has brought name and fame to Karnataka.

"If there are some shortcomings or doubts over use of land provided to IT companies, they can be clarified in a civilised manner and within four walls," Krishna told reporters, obviously referring to the missive shot off by Gowda to Chief Minister N Dharam Singh to bring land allotments to IT firms under scanner.

Gowda had also alleged that several IT firms were preserving the land allotted to them for real estate purposes and questioned the need for about 845 acres sought by IT major Infosys for its new software development centre and township.

Krishna, branded as IT savvy during his tenure as Chief Minister, however, evaded a direct response to a query whether he agreed that the IT companies grab lands in the city.

Defending the thrust his Government accorded to promotion of IT sector in the state between 1999-04, Krishna said, "I have no regrets that I gave tremendous fillip to IT in our state, which was acclaimed and acknowledged."

"IT and BT sectors have done well in the state. They have been paying taxes, earning foreign exchange and providing employment," Krishna said and stressed the need to focus on the growth of these sectors.

Krishna hoped that the issues raked up by Gowda would not have negative impact on the IT sector.

Gowda had also alleged in his letter that 'some quarters' in the IT sector were making concerted efforts to destabilize the Congress-Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) coalition ministry.