Assam has industrial prospects: Gohain

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Nov 9: Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said that Assam has the prospects of becoming an industrialized state in the future.

The Minister took part in the vendors’ meet on ‘Ease of Doing Business with Indian Railways’ organized by Northeast Frontier Railway here today.

Gohain views that with the setting up of industries like Dubar and Patanjali Ayurvedic centre in Tezpur there are  possibilities of making products for railways locally.

“Indian Railways procure goods needed for day-to-day service to the tune of Rs 800 crore. If entrepreneurs from Assam come forward and produce goods locally Assam can contribute a lot which would ultimately help in generating employment in the region.”

Gohain further said that the State government plays a vital role here in strengthening the micro, small and medium enterprises and the Centre has specifically emphasized Assam and the Northeast so that railway lines reach the remotest part of the region.

“The infrastructure of Indian Railways has improved as electrification of tracks would be done and as far as hygiene is concerned. Bio-toilets have been set up and bio-vacuum toilets have also been initiated in 4-5 trains,” Gohain added.

“A number of initiatives have been facilitated for the vendors for ease of doing business. A web portal, time bound delivery system, grievances redress system, nodal officer in each department, setting up of land bank for setting up of industries will help the vendors further,” Secretary to the government of Assam, Department of industries, Shehla Rahman said.

Rahman further pointed that the government is working hard to make industries flourish in the region.

N F Railway General Mager Chahatey Ram, executive director railway stores CV Raman, NF Railway controller of stores Gajand Pradesh were also present at the meet.