“The most important infrastructure that the industry requires is providing 24/7 power supply through rigorous implementation of open access as per Electricity Act 2003. The State should pro actively consider dedicated power supply for industrial clusters and MIR.” Said Mr. Ajay Shankar, Secretary, DIPP, Government of India. Mr Shankar was addressing a conference of state secretaries, industries commerce organised by PHD Chamber. The theme of this conference was model policy for industrial development for the northern and Central Indian states as most of these states are in the process of revising their industrial policies to revv up their industrial production.
Mr Shankar called upon states to launch a mission for electronic filing of applications registrations, payments, clearances, permissions online on the pattern of online booking of railway tickets as this would send the right signals to set up projects in States. He stated that states need for seamless requirement of industrial infrastructure, housing, skills and industrial parks cutting across compartmentalization in government. He further reiterated that one stop clearance mechanism headed by senior officials is desirable in the states.
Mr. Shankar felt that the land prices were very high which was offsetting our low wage advantage. He asked for the industry people and real estate developers to help in reducing the land prices and also the states should utilize the states owned land for developing industrial cluster as this would make land available for the industry at a reasonable and affordable rate.
Mr. Chetan Sanghi, Secretary, Industries, Government of NCT of Delhi stated a industrial policy for Delhi would be announced within next three months and a common portal for online clearances shall also be implemented .
Mr. C S Rajan, Principal Secretary, Industries, Government of Rajasthan said that DMIC best advantage since 40% of the corridor was passing through Rajasthan.Mr Rajan added that the state would frame a convergence policy for dedicated industrial development and conducive environment will be created for attracting investment with the support of Government of India. Rajasthan is in the process of formulating a new industrial policy shortly.
“Industrial area maintenance act is being framed and a special purpose vehicle comprising of all the stake holders shall be announced soon for providing regular power supply of 7000 MW generation capacity is being adopted every year and our policy of merchant power is followed so that the surplus power sold to other states.’ Mr. V K Janjua, Director, Industries, Punjab said
“For the first time PHD Chamber is calling for development of best of infrastructure with minimum of incentives to attract industry as incentives offered by states are not desirable and investment will come based on strength of infrastructure and location advantages of states.” Said Mr. Satish Bagrodia, President, PHD Chamber.
Mr Ravi Wig, Chairman, NRD Council called for a dedicated transmission system for supplying power to units in industrial clusters and Manufacturing Investment Regions should be set up.
Development of quality infrastructure including power, water, roads, airports and industrial towns is crucial for sustainability of industrial growth and shall be the best incentive, rather a substitute to attract investments in a states.
New industrial policies of States have to be innovative and proactive to attract investments and promoting high industrial growth in a competitive environment
