Ensure agencies are fair and transparent: Gurgaon biz leaders to CM

CM assured industrialists that the power supply situation in Gurgaon would be improved soon

The industry in Gurgaon’s Udyog Vihar made it clear on Monday that the much-touted ‘Ease of doing business’ agenda pushed by the state government would not be successful unless the implementing agencies become transparent and act in a fair and just manner.

Around 200 industrialists from Gurgaon and Manesar, who were meeting Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and other members of government in a closed door meeting, gave a critical appraisal of the Haryana State Industry and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and other agencies of the state.

“We are asked to pay property tax by the MCG, which is calculated arbitrarily. The power tariff is the highest for industry, but the supply is of extremely poor quality and the billing system is archaic. It is aimed at exploiting the small and medium enterprises,” Col (Retd) Raj Singla, who acted as a representative of the industry, said.

The industrialists raised a number of demands related to allotment, conveyance deeds, payment of enhancement, property tax, lack of response and support from HSIIDC, payment of EDC and several related issues which are crucial for running an efficient industry that can compete with the world.

After hearing the complaints and demands of the industry, CM Khattar announced that in future industrial townships, the allottees will not have to pay enhancements, but the government will create a separate fund for that. Khattar also issued directions that the e-governance portal of the HSIIDC should be made up to date and functional.

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In a positive move, the CM asked the officials to resolve the EDC issue, which has been pending in court for several years by opting for an out of court settlement. The CM also said the issues pointed out by industry with regard estate management policies, rate of water and uniform FAR would be discussed and considered by the government after taking the opinion from different stakeholders.

The CM also assured the industry that power supply situation would improve in Gurgaon as a smart power grid was being set up in the city, which will ensure regular and good quality power supply to both industrial as well as residential consumers.