Impressed with Modi government's zeal to fast track project clearances, the Assam industry too has demanded creation of a specialised Project Monitoring Group (PMG) at state level to accelerate clearances and execution of industrial projects in Assam.
"We want our state government to put project clearances on a fast track mode. The state government should form a state level PMG in line with the one at central level. There should be some sort of scientific method to address project clearances," said RS Joshi, chairman of Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), the premier trade and industry body of North-East.
The central PMG was constituted last year during the term of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government with a mandate to fast track clearances of industrial projects worth Rs 1,000 crore. It is presently headed by an IAS officer of the rank of additional secretary.
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"The whole system of project approval has changed substantially at central level since Modi government came to power.
The Centre has roped in the PMO, cabinet secretary, all concerned ministries and departments to fast track project clearances.
It has certainly created a sense of optimism for the industry. We want the Assam government too to replicate the same model of project clearance at state-level," said Sandeep Khaitan, director of FINER. As per FINER's findings, at least 90 projects worth Rs 3,000 crore are stuck in Assam and awaiting clearances at various levels.
The industry body has asked the North East MP's Forum, which consists of all members of parliament from the region, and also the ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), to press the state government for creation of a PMG on priority basis.
