Minister: Centre has OK’d jetties in Saran, Bhagalpur

PATNA: The state industries minister, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, said on Monday that the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways has given its consent for the construction of a jetty at Balughat in Saran district and another at Bhagalpur district. Cargo terminals will also come up at both places.
The industries minister also said two information technology (IT) parks will be set up in Bihta (25 acres) and Rajgir (125 acres) to develop the sector in the state.He also claimed that a textile park would come up at Kumarbagh at Bettiah in West Champaran district. He added that land is being identified at Wazirganj in Gaya for extension of the power loom industries in the district.
Shahnawaz made the announcements while inaugurating the second business incubator centre of Bihar Industries Association here on Monday. He also addressed 'a dialogue for enterprising Bihar' organised by the BIA.
"Priority to agro-based industries will be given in industrial land allotment by the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA)," Shahnawaz said.
He added, "Priority-based felicitation and support to the state entrepreneurs over others will be guaranteed. All BIADA-related issues such as exit policy, transfer policy and terms of the lease will be sorted out within a week."
The industries minister also claimed that Bihar will be the first state to formulate a policy to promote ethanol production. "Ethanol production will boost sugarcane farming, attract investors, thus generate employment in the state," he said.
During the discussion, entrepreneurs from across the state and various industries such as steel, food processing, dairy, sugar, petrochemical, manufacturing and others put forth various grievances and suggestions.
Sanjay Goenka, the former BIA vice-president, pointed out the problem of Bihar Industrial Investment Policy 2016, which demands a 100% down payment for registration of industrial land as opposed to the 2011 investment policy, which asked for a 30% down payment followed by the fulfilment of rest of the amount in seven instalments.
"Without registration, the banks do not release the loan, demanding 100% as the down payment for registration of land is unjust and impractical," he said.
BIA president Ram Lal Khaitan said other than scarcity and allotment issues of industrial land, higher rates are also an area of concern for most industrialists. "The rate of land at Patliputra industrial area is skyrocketing. Proper consideration and revision in rates of land are suggested."
Shahnawaz said a decision in this regard will be announced by the weekend after deliberation and discussion with BIADA authorities. The minister also announced that within 100 working days BIADA's basic infrastructure in Patna, Hajipur, Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur will be developed.