Cluster approach for foundry sector's development on anvil: CM

Kolhapur, Mar 29 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said that the State government has decided to introduce a ''cluster approach'' for the development of the foundry sector.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a function organised to mark the Kolhapur Udyam Co-op Society's golden jubilee celebrations here today.

Mr Deshmukh said a detailed proposal on the cluster appraoch for the foundry industry has been submitted to the Government for approval which is expected soon.

The Chief Minister, meanwhile, said by 2010-11 the state's power situation would improve and the people will no longer have to put up with load-shedding.

However, despite the power shortage, the state has continued to attract investments, he claimed.

The Information Technology (IT) sector has seen a fast-paced growth in the state, especially in cities like Pune and Aurangabad, Mr Deshmukh said while adding that Kolhapur, too, is now emerging as an IT destination.

He said the state government has taken necessary steps to acquire land in Kolhapur for airport development.

The state government has decided to withdraw octroi from 15 D-Class municipal corporations which will immensely benefit the industry and the traders, said Mr Deshmukh adding the latter should now cooperate with the government and pay whatever tax in lieu of octroi.

UNI BBK MAZ MP KN1951