Two new industrial estates have been proposed, at Sedarapet and Mettupalayam, to keep pace with the spiralling demand for land, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said on Wednesday.
Announcing a Rs. 50 crore outlay for industry in the Budget for 2015-16, the Chief Minister said it was hoped that availability of additional land would attract large-scale industries.
“The required land for setting up of industries is available with Government,” he said.
Pointing out that industries registered a growth of 26 per cent over previous year, Mr. Rangasamy said steps had been initiated to make Puducherry a preferred industrial investment destination through ensuring timely and hassle-free guidance/clearance to entrepreneurs.
An e-portal licensing system was also mooted to facilitate entrepreneurs.
A Mega Investors Meet is proposed to attract investors from India and overseas, the Chief Minister said.
A committee chaired by the Chief Minister would be constituted to decide special incentives and concessions for mega projects proportionate to the size of investment and jobs created.
Aiming to provide reliable and quality power, the Government has proposed sub stations at Karaikal and Thondamanatham and 25 MVA capacity power transformers at Kurumbapet and Villianur. The sub station at Lawspet and the renovated sub station at Villianur would be ready soon.
The preparation of a master plan for development of Puducherry as a solar city was in the final stage. To begin with, the Government proposed to start a Solar Photo Voltaic Power Plant in the Government Press and Forest Department.
A Voluntary Retirement Scheme is being devised to revive the Anglo French Textiles and the Swadeshi Bharathi Textile Mills.
It is proposed to start a dress making trade in the Government ITI for Women in Karaikal and to introduce three new trades — accounts assistant, bridal makeup artist and a short term course for employability in retail jobsOn the labour skilling front, the Government proposed to upgrade the Franco Indian Vocational training Institute Society into a Puducherry Skill Development Society to serve as an umbrella organisation for various skilling initiatives. The Employment Exchange would be converted into a model career centre to offer career counselling and coaching classes.
On the IT front, the e-district project is being rolled out this fiscal. “The preparatory work has already been completed for ten departments and the remaining two departments would be readied soon,” Mr. Rangasamy said.
