The Hindu : New Delhi News : "Special emphasis on promotion of IT and biotechnology industries''

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 17, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

"Special emphasis on promotion of IT and biotechnology industries''

Staff Reporter

Attempt to boost exports and generate employment

NEW DELHI: Stating that there is very little scope for further expansion of the Capital, the Delhi Industries Minister, Mangat Ram Singhal, on Wednesday said special emphasis would be on promotion of Information Technology, biotechnology and related industrial units as they required less space and power but provided adequate employment opportunities.

Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Pavilion at Pragati Maidan on the occasion of Delhi Day, Mr. Singhal said traditional industries like handicrafts; handloom, leather goods and household industries would also be promoted. The future growth of industries in Delhi would be in line with this approach.

He said in an attempt to boost exports from the Information Technology sector and generate employment, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has set up an IT Park at Shastri Park and for which the Delhi Government had provided Rs. 20 crores as long term interest free loan and Rs. 3 crores as grant-in-aid.

To promote IT sector, computer software, data processing, desktop publishing and computer repairing and cyber information centre have been included in the list of household category industries, which could be established in a residential area.

Infrastructure

Mr. Singhal informed that with an objective of providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for IT and related services, the Government would set up a "Software Multimedia and Science Park'' at an estimated cost of Rs. 200 crores in joint venture with the private sector. He said the Delhi State Industrial Development Corporation (DSIDC) was setting up a training Institute for Gems and Jewellery and Hallmarking Centre at Okhla in the Hi-Tech Vocational Training Centre with an estimated cost of Rs.4.50 crores. A feasibility report has been prepared and for this grant-in-aid from the Centrally sponsored scheme had been sought from Central Government.

The Minister said as per order dated May 7 of the Supreme Court on all industrial units established prior to the cut-off date of August 1 and operating in residential and non-conforming areas, the Government has taken the various steps to minimize the difficulties due to relocation of industries in the Capital.

Industrial plots

The 18,360 industries operating in residential or non-conforming areas have been given allotments of alternate industrial plots and flats in conforming industrial areas of Bawana, Narela, Badli and Jhil Mil. Another 4021 units waiting allotment have been given plots in Bhorgarh where 175 hectare of land had been acquired for development of new industrial areas and 1000 acres of more land had been notified for acquisition. He said in the last month the Government had allowed conversion of built-up plots in the industrial areas from leasehold to freehold.

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