Wednesday, November 13, 2013: State-owned enterprise, the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS), is reportedly thinking of foraying into manufacturing of solar panels, tablets, smartphones and computers in a big way. The enterprise had stopped manufacturing TVs and wireless equipment almost two decades back.
It does not stop here. S R Patil, IT, BT and Science and Technology Minister is keen on having KEONICS expand its services to mid-level IT education as well.
Patil told Express, “I want to see KEONICS emerging as the Number One State government-run electronics items development company in the country by reviving its manufacturing activities. There is a huge market for manufacturing solar panels, tabs, computers, smartphones and other electronics items at very competitive prices compared to some of the big names in the private sector. We want to tap this opportunity.”
Patil further added that it is time that KEONICS should explore manufacturing of solar panels along with the central and state governments giving a major thrust for solar energy with attractive subsidies. Moreover, there is a huge market among the student community for low-cost tablets and the minister feels that KEONICS is competitive enough to face competition from big names by keeping lower profit margins.
“I have already held a preliminary meeting with KEONICS officials in this regard,” Patil added.
However, industry experts don’t feel the same about KEONICS. Ramesh Shivanna, Chairman of Renewable Energy Committee in Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries(FKCCI) told Express that global solar panel prices fluctuate wildly and it would be very difficult for small players like KEONICS to compete in the face of huge dumping by global giants.
KEONICS cannot handle the challenge with its limited resources and government style of running the enterprise, he added.
