BANGALORE: The state government is determined to get an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Karnataka. Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has written again to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding setting up of an IIT in the state.

The government of India, during the 11th Five-Year Plan, has plans to set up a number of IITs in different parts of the country. "It is really in true spirits of providing our youth more access to institutes of excellence. Karnataka, since Independence, has not availed the benefit of having an institution of national importance in technology," the CM stated.

"The state has transformed itself into a world class knowledge hub with the establishment of a large number of knowledge-based industries and R&D laboratories in areas including advanced electronics, high-end information technology, bio-technology, avionics and aeronautics," he added.

"The setting up of an institute of excellence in Karnataka is the need of the hour for the all-round development and growth of the state as well as the country. Government of Karnataka will provide the basic infrastructure such as land, power and water for setting up the IIT," the CM said.