Gaur showers sops on Mandideep

COMMERCE AND Industries Minister Babulal Gaur today promised the Mandideep industrial area a string of facilities to improve industrial production.

COMMERCE AND Industries Minister Babulal Gaur today promised the Mandideep industrial area a string of facilities to improve industrial production.

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“If we get a major chunk of export-oriented investments at Mandideep, the State Government might think of even setting up of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the area,” Gaur assured the industrialists today during his visit.
Gaur’s yet another important announcement was on providing an additional 500-acre of forestland to Mandideep industrial area within a fortnight.

He was addressing an interactive meet organised by Association of Industries, Mandideep at the premises of Procter & Gamble.

Referring to the State’s industrial policy, the minister said his department would empower industrial associations to collect local tax for area development, and thereby , pass on a share of tax to local municipal bodies. There have been repeated complaints from industries on tax collection by local bodies.  

Responding to a host of demands and problems of the industries, Gaur assured that within a week a high-level meeting would be convened to find an amicable solution.

Gaur, who was quite appreciative of the association’s presentation, said that the Industry department would try to bring Satlapur and adjoining industrial areas under the umbrella of Mandideep industrial area.

He also offered Government assistance in setting up of a guesthouse and a club at Mandideep industrial area. Claiming that Madhya Pradesh has received an investment proposal to the tune of Rs 59,000 crore (Rs 16,000 from Central government), Gaur said the State Government has planned an investment of Rs 3000 crore on roads. Besides, 6500 mw of power would be generated by 2008 end.

Submitting a memorandum to the minister, association’s president DK Jain said Mandideep industrial area that does an export of Rs 12,000 crore lacks infrastructural facilities and suffers from multiplicity of administrative functioning.
“Main road and service roads in the area are in pathetic condition with no sewage disposal, effluent treatment and waste management system in place ,” he pointed out.

He stressed on the need to have a 100-bed ESI hospital, ambulance, well-equipped fire-fighting system and a Transport Nagar to avoid regular traffic jam and accidents. Jain also pointed out at the poor quality and quantity of power available in the area and urged to provide adequate power supply.

“We want that Mandideep should be seen as brand ambassador of industrial areas and set up an example for MP,” he added.   Later speaking to the Hindustan Times, Gaur said the present government has been considering a proposal of setting up of an industrial development authority, so that all the growth centers and industrial areas could be brought under a single jurisdiction, which could be held responsible to maintain and perform municipal functions industrial areas.

When asked about his earlier announcements of having a prototype of Andhra Pradesh model and developing Govindpura industrial area as a ‘model industrial township’, Gaur said, “we’re looking into it”, with a smile. 

The minister was accompanied by principal secretary (Commerce & Industry), OP Rawat, managing director MPSIDC, Raghav Chandra, and Municipal Council’s chairperson Usha Bhargava.

Problems & demands of Mandideep Association

1 Poor infrastructure.

2 Reduction in Stamp Duty & Registration.

3 Transport Nagar, Fire-fighting system, ESI hospital & ambulance.

4 Property Tax, Export Tax and exemption of Entry Tax on cotton.

5 Quality power supply.

6 Revamp police station at Mandideep.

7 HRD & Employment Office.

8 Procedural simplification.

Gaur announced
1 VAT from April 1.

2 500-acres of land within a fortnight.

3 To consider lowering of Stamp duty.

4 Department and Association to meet in a week to discuss.