The Hindu : New Delhi News : New industrial policy for NCR likely

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 01, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

New industrial policy for NCR likely

By Lalit K. Jha

NEW DELHI, AUG. 31. Aimed at decongesting Delhi of tiny and small-scale industries, a new investor-friendly policy that takes the National Capital Region as a unit is in the offing.

A uniform taxation system, a "hassle-free" inter-State movement of commercial vehicles like autos and taxis, same pulse rate for the telephone and mobile network in the entire NCR region, emphasis on "fast-track" development of physical and social infrastructure, better connectivity between Delhi and satellite townships and `time-bound' completion of transportation projects like integrated rail-cum-bus transit (IRBT) are likely to be focal points of the new industrial policy. Extension of eco-friendly CNG in the entire NCR area is expected to form another significant part of the policy.

A high-level committee set up by the Union Urban Development Ministry for this specific purpose is understood to have held a series of meetings with top officials from NCR States -- Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan -- and both the Union and the Delhi Government officials to explore the possibilities of finding ways and means to "accelerate" relocation of small-scale and tiny industries from Delhi to the National Capital Region.

Headed by the NCR Planning Board Member Secretary, B.K.S. Ray, the Union Urban Development Ministry set up the Ministerial Committee at the direction of the Supreme Court. In its order dated May 8, 2004, the Supreme Court had asked the Union Government to take appropriate steps to make the NCR a successful industrial region. The Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan were asked to extend full cooperation in this regard.

The same order had directed closing down of all industries in residential and non-conforming areas of the Capital that came up after August 1, 1990. The deadline to close the F category industries -- like automobile parts and casting, grease, flour mills and plastic dye -- ends in the first week of September.

Following the order, the B.K.S. Ray Committee held a series of meetings on this issue.

The Committee members and officials concerned from the respective State Governments are understood to have called for maintaining "harmony" between environment and development. Arguing that a differential taxation system and restrictions imposed on movement of vehicles was a prime reason for tiny and small scale industries staying put in Delhi, the Committee members are learnt to have called for a "uniform taxation system" and "free movement of vehicles" in the entire NCR region.

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