NEW DELHI: In a major relief to nearly 20,000 industrial units functioning from non-conforming areas of the Capital, Lieutenant-Governor B.L. Joshi on Wednesday approved declaration of 16 residential areas having more than 70 per cent industrial units as "industrial hubs''. The decision would benefit lakhs of industrial workers and entrepreneurs who faced an uncertain future.

Confirming the clearance by Mr. Joshi, Industries Minister Mangat Ram Singhal said a notification to this effect would be issued shortly.

Mr. Singhal said the Delhi Government had fulfilled its major promise to the industrial units that it would strive to work for their rehabilitation in the same area. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Ram Babu Sharma had also taken up the matter with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and sought regularisation of all such areas. The issue had generated heat within the party with some partymen accusing the Delhi Government of sitting on the issue and putting the blame for the delay on Raj Nivas.

Mr. Singhal said with the issuing of the notification, the industrial associations would be given 180 days to form a cooperative society and submit a redevelopment plan for the area so that action could be initiated for making these areas industrial hubs.

According to Mr. Singhal, the cooperative societies formed under this new format would be responsible for mobilising funds to initiate developmental works and setting up infrastructure in such areas and the Government would only supplement the efforts.

Mr. Singhal said nearly 20,000 units would benefit from this action, adding that a list of another 26 areas had been received for a fresh survey. The Government was studying the list and would take a decision after considering all aspects.

The areas that stand to be regularised under the new regime are New Mandoli, Rithala, Basai Darapur, Peeragarhi, Naresh Park, Mundka North, Navada, Hastasal Pocket A and D, Dabri, Jawahar Nagar, Karawal Nagar, Haiderpur, Shalimar Village, Khyala and Sultanpur Majra.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail