Infrastructure to be developed for economic growth

Guwahati, Jul 14 (UNI) In keeping with the government's endeavour to promote Asom as the newest investment destination, it has shown special interest in infrastructure development.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had recently informed the state Assembly that seven Integrated Infrastructure Development Projects (IIDPs) were in various stages of implementation in the state.

The IIDPs, undertaken during the past four and half years, were at Bhomoraguri, Dolgaon, Malinibeel, Demow, Rangia, Titabor, Nalbari and Bandardewa.

Mr Gogoi said the Centre had been approached for setting up one IIDP each in districts where no such projects and industrial growth centres were available.

He stressed on establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state, preferably in the Public-Private Partnership mode as it would have the added benefits of the incentive package under the North East Industrial Policy.

Two SEZs in the state, one in Upper Asom and the other in Lower Asom, would be set up soon, he added.

Mr Gogoi said establishment of Special Economic Regions in the state would also be actively pursued.

The chief minister underlined the importance of developing road communication for industrial growth of the state.

Pointing out that new roads had been constructed and existing ones upgraded during his previous tenure with ARIASP, PMGSY, NABARD, NEC and the state's own plan and non-plan funding, Mr Gogoi said it would continue under this government also.

The World Bank funded Assam Agriculture Competiveness Project had a major road component, he said, adding that he was negotiating another State Road Project with the World Bank.

Mr Gogoi announced that the road maintenance and repair budget provision had been increased from Rs 22 crore till three years back to Rs 163 crore in the current fiscal's budget.

Non-plan budget provision for maintenance of public buildings had been increased to Rs 58 crore in the current budget from Rs 7 crore in the previous one.

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