Asom to set up special industrial secretariat

Guwahati, Jul 26 (UNI) Asom Industry and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi today informed the state Assembly that an industrial investment secretariat would be opened soon to ensure speedy clearance to investors willing to set up industries within notified industrial areas of the state.

Replying to a call attention motion by former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, the minister, said the state government was keen to remove the 'license raj' prevailing in the department.

Mr Bordoloi said despite efforts of the state government, the single window clearance promised by successive governments in Asom could not be achieved.

He assured amendment of some of the provisions of the state's Industrial Policy, 2003, if required, after analysing the difficulties of the entrepreneurs and investors.

Raising the issue, Mr Mahanta, quoting newspaper reports, said red-tapism in the government departments continued to create hurdles for the investors despite government assurances in the Industrial Policy of 2003.

He alleged that many units could not get permission for extension of capacity and starting new plants. He also pointed out that neighbouring Meghalaya provided clearance from three tables so that investors or industrialists did not have to move from table to table.

UNI XC MT SP SS1855