The government has also decided to set up at least five parks, one each in food, bamboo, jute and plastic. Assam Industry Minister, Pradyut Bordoloi said “The policy focuses on the State’s inherent areas of strength such as bamboo, plywood, agar, horticulture, agriculture, rubber, food processing, minerals, tourism, etc., besides a new emphasis on harnessing natural assets such as water. The concept of scientific green accounting is also being introduced for the first time,” Bordoloi said. 

According to the Assam Industry Minister, Pradyut Bordoloi the, “Growth of business and industry will enhance demand for skilled manpower, and we are for absorbing as much local manpower as possible. For achieving this, the policy facilitates setting up of multi-dimensional vocational institutes – some of which include the National Institute of Design, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, National Academy of Construction, institutes for the ITEs, etc.  Steps for restarting the plywood industry which used to provide employment to 55,000-odd people were a major highlight of the policy as was the thrust accorded to promote agar. We have the ideal geo-climatic conditions for plywood and agar, and if done on a large scale, it can boost the economy.” 

The new Industrial Policy also simplifies the procedures for obtaining power connection within a timeframe. Bordoloi said that for speedy clearance of proposals, a special investment cell has been opened at the Dispur Secretariat. A faster pollution clearance on the basis of the categorisation of industries into non-polluting, green, orange and red is another feature of the policy. 

Mr. Bordoloi also said that, around Rs 700 Crore will be spent in setting up a Plastic Park, according to him there are also plans for setting up a bamboo park in Jagiroad. A textile Park is also being up at Sipajhar. Similarly a jute park will be set up in Kharupathia. He also informed that around Rs 100 Crore is being spent for the setting up of a mega food park in Natkuchi in Nalbari district the foundation stone of which will be laid soon. A pilot project for the micro-entrepreneurship will also be taken up soon. Rs. 300 Crore is being spent for this project informed the Minister. Pradyut Bordoloi said, “For skill development of the manpower, we are coming up with knowledge city in Boko near Guwahati. For each of these parks, we are expecting investment to the tune of Rs 200 to 300 Crore from private investors.” 

He further said, “We will encourage Agar tree plantation in private land. Some districts have been identified for this plantation. We are also giving impetus on bio-diesel.” 

According to the new policy all eligible units will be entitled to exemption of 99 percent of the tax payable under the Assam value added tax 2003 and Central sales tax Act 1956 subject to maximum of 200 percent of the fixed capital investment for 7 years. The new policy stipulated that interest subsidy on term loan provided to micro industrial units at the rate 30 percent of the amount of interest paid on term loan for a period of 5 years from the date of commercial production subject to a ceiling of Rs one lakh per unit/year. 

Similarly, the policy allows subsidy on the drawing up of power line. 25 percent of the cost payable for drawing of power line including the cost of transformer will be subsidised to micro and small industrial units subject to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakh per unit. The policy will also provide 100 percent reimbursement of stamp duty and registration fees to encourage setting up of industrial park/ estate through purchase of private/government land. 

Under the new policy special incentive will be given for establishment of mega projects in the territory of Assam with large capital investment of minimum of Rs 100 Crore. There are already several fiscal incentives available for industries in Northeast India under Northeast industrial and investment promotion policy 2007. 

Sunaina