Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Tuesday announced that the Government would shortly formulate a new industrial policy to facilitate investments.
Interacting with industrialists and entrepreneurs here at a session organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Puducherry chapter, Mr. Narayanasamy said the proposed policy will be unveiled after hearing suggestions from industrialists and other stakeholders in two month’s time.
“It will be more attractive besides fetching more investments and unveiling more plans to make UT as an investment hub.”
He appealed to industrialists and entrepreneurs to invest more in Union Territory of Puducherry as the apprehension over “an unconducive business atmosphere was a thing of the past”.
“Let us begin a new chapter. Bring new investment and we will support you and offer initiatives for creating a conducive atmosphere for business here.”
Urging industrialists and investors to extend their support to the government to set up new information technology (IT) park and apparel park in UT, Mr. Narayanasamy said, “It is need of the hour to have an IT park and apparel park as a large number of youth who graduate from engineering colleges are forced to move towards to Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangaluru for employment.”
Women entrepreneurs
Heeding the demands of a few women entrepreneurs, he said Puducherry Government would adopt whatever policy initiatives had been taken by the adjoining State to encourage women entrepreneurs. A day care centre would be set up in Mettupalayam Industrial Estate where large number of women are employed, he added.
M.O.H.F. Shahjahan Minister for Industries and Commerce said entrepreneurs should explore the possibility of setting up more processing units and small medium enterprise clusters
Later talking to press persons, the Chief Minister said, “We have commenced the ground work to attract more investments. We want to bring back the flourishing industrial scenario that prevailed during the 1980s and 90s. We will encourage industrialists to expand the existing units to create more employment opportunities.”
He added the government would revive the skill development centre in Puducherry. It would help impart training to youth and would chalk out plans for optimum use of lands at Sedarapet and Bolagam in Karaikal.
Ramseh Datla, chairman, CII, Southern Region said the meeting focused on ease of doing business in UT and members wanted to simplify procedures for clearance to new investments.
Rail connectivity
“There is lack of rail connectivity at present. We urge the government to improve it. We have requested for high speed daily trains between Chennai and Puducherry. Three is also a need to restore air-connectivity”, said Mr. Datla.
The industrial units also wanted the government to develop the Puducherry port under the Union Government’s Sagar Mala scheme.
Industrialists urged to set up IT park and apparel park as youth move to other states in search of jobs
