Poor rural districts get industrial units

The small and medium projects, most of which are planned in the rural districts where human development index is less, will create more than 4,000 direct jobs.

The state government on Monday roped in 12 industrial firms to invest Rs 3,822 crore.

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The small and medium projects, most of which are planned in the rural districts where human development index is less, will create more than 4,000 direct jobs.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan promised to provide an independent section in the industry department to fast track small and medium units. But he said new industries must adhere to environment norms.

Of these, the biggest plant will come up in Chandrapur district. ACC Cements will expand its existing plant by investing Rs 1551 crore.

In the same district, Meta Rolls and Commodities will start a sponge iron unit. Asian Paints will produce paint in Khandala in Satara district.

The net investment will be Rs 735 crore. Umred near Nagpur will get a Rs 575-crore steel melting facility by Virangana Steel.

Other smaller projects will come up in Dindori (Nashik), Kamptee (Nagpur), Nardhana and Avdhan (Dhule), Malakapur (Buldhana), Shirval (Pune) and Bhokardhan (Jalana).