No factories on farmland in MP

Bhopal, Mar 11 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh government today announced in the Assembly that factories would not be established on farmland and the latter would not be acquired for setting up special economic zones.

Replying to a discussion on budgetary demands for the Commerce, Industry, Employment, Environment and Housing departments, Commerce Minister Jayant Malaiyya said, ''67 industrial proposals worth Rs 16,000 crore have been approved. More than 95 per cent of closed small-scale units have re-opened.'' Projects worth more than 31,000 cr are being implemented in the industrial and service sectors.

The Madhya Pradesh Housing Board will develop 1,800 buildings and 220 plots for various income groups next year.

After the Minister's reply, demands exceeding Rs 247.73 cr were passed. 2121