Bhubaneswar, April 15: The State government Wednesday decided to review causes which hindered commissioning of major industrial projects and to fast-track their clearance in a bid to raise the state’s resources and improve employment potential.
A decision to this effect was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday during a review on the status of major industrial projects that have signed agreements with the state government for operations in the state.
The Chief Minister said, “Major projects confronting roadblocks in obtaining in-principle clearances should be taken up by the state cabinet for quick redressal of their problems.”
“There is an urgent need to fast track these projects and ensure their timely clearance before they commence operations in the state,” the chief minister said adding, “Their operation of these industries would provide employment opportunities for the youths and help raise the state’s revenue.”
The chief minister directed the district collectors to clear the decks to accelerate the pace of such industrial projects and help expedite the decision-making process by sorting out the bottlenecks failing which the concerned officials may be held accountable.
Patnaik further pointed out that review of these projects would be done by him personally in the second week of every month hereafter.
Sources said of the 92 major industrial projects which have signed MoU with the state government, 43 have started their production in the state. Seven of these projects are at various stages of commissioning. Fifteen projects are yet to start their operations due to various reasons.
Besides, of the 224 major industries who have not signed agreements with the state government, 24 units have commenced production and the remaining projects are yet begin operations due to reasons.
Land acquisition, clearance from Idco, raw materials, forest and environment approval and water supply are among the major impediments which were discussed at the review meeting.