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North East: New industrial policy to be announced soon |
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The Union Government will soon announce its new industrial policy for the North East. According to reports, under the new policy framework, which is likely to be announced by the end of this month, the troubled region can be turned into a special economic zone (SEZ) if the request made by the Assam government is considered. The present policy expires on March 31.
Addressing a news conference in Guwahati on March 17, Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi said: “We are also hoping to get some special incentives.”
Dispur, he said, had requested New Delhi for grants-in-aid of Rs 100 crore per location for two industrial areas having integrated infrastructure with SEZ-like facilities. He, however, clarified that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had decided not to set up any SEZ at the cost of poor farmers.
Assam has also requested the Centre not to set geographical demarcation limits for industries, he added.
“The entire North East Industrial Policy package should be available also for the service sector, including power projects up to 50 MW,” Bordoloi said. He said the Northeast could be declared a tax-free zone under Section 10C of the Income Tax Act, which would ensure uniform distribution of industries throughout the region.
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