Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Reviews Industries & Commerce Department

* He asked Industries department to create a demand-driven industrial landscape

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the industry sector which contributes to 39 per cent of the total State GDP, needs perpetual thrust of the key areas like startups, ease of doing business etc. to provide a push to the industrial landscape of the state.

Taking a review of the schemes of the Industry and Commerce Department in his office in Janata Bhawan on Sunday, Chief Minister Sarma said that the department needs to take key initiatives to boost the confidence of the stakeholders for the development of industries in the State. Taking a look at the North East Industrial Development Scheme, Sarma asked Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce Dr K.K. Dwivedi to expeditiously dispose of the 'proposals of interests' submitted for starting several new projects under the scheme in Assam.

Chief Minister Sarma taking a comprehensive view of the size of the total lands in Assam for industrial use, asked the Principal Secretary to prepare a plan for commercial use of the lands lying vacant with the Industries and Commerce Department at present. With regard to the 'Ease of Doing Business' initiative, Sarma advocated for streamlining the existing regulations and processes to lend vibrancy and competitiveness to the industrial landscape of the state.

Chief Minister Sarma also reiterated the need for a broad roadmap to expedite the commercial cultivation of several trees like Agar Wood, Sandal Wood etc. Taking into consideration of the vast stretch of cultivable land available in the districts like Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, steps should be undertaken for massive plantation of commercially viable plants in the districts. This would give a fillip to start-up business ventures in the state. Sarma during the meeting also asked the department to create an industrial ecosystem that is demand-driven in the state, stated a release.

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