New leadership team elected at KASSIA

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA), the apex body representing the interests of Micro, Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Karnataka, has entered a new chapter with Ninganna S. Biradar taking over as President for the year 2026–27. 

The new leadership team was formally sworn in following the election to the Managing Committee and the subsequent Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 28, 2026. 

Following is the new committee for the coming year: 

• Ninganna S. Biradar — President
• HN Ramakrishnaiah — Vice-President
• Prakash C. — Hon. General Secretary
• Raviraj Shetty S. — Treasurer
• M. Giri — Joint Secretary (Urban)
• Mallesh B. Jadar — Joint Secretary (Rural)

Together, the new office-bearers bring with them a blend of industry experience, organisational commitment and a shared vision to strengthen Karnataka’s MSME ecosystem. 

About the President 

An industrialist from Hubballi, Ninganna S. Biradar is a Commerce graduate and Partner of M/s Banashankari Engineers, an established enterprise engaged in the manufacture of electrical hardware line materials. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, he has earned recognition for his commitment to industrial development, particularly in North Karnataka. 

The new leadership is expected to build upon KASSIA’s rich legacy of advocacy while pursuing a forward-looking agenda focused on industrial competitiveness, ease of doing business, infrastructure development, technology adoption, skill enhancement, access to finance, exports, sustainability and policy reforms.

Particular emphasis is also expected to be placed on balanced industrial growth across all regions of Karnataka, with stronger support for MSMEs in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. 

As Karnataka continues to emerge as one of India’s foremost manufacturing and innovation destinations, KASSIA’s new leadership assumes office at a crucial juncture.