The corporate houses have put the ball in Chhattisgarh government’s court for failing to expedite the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) it have signed for investment in the state.
The state government held an extensive review meeting for two days to note the progress of the MoUs it had inked with corporate houses for setting up plants. The meeting that was chaired by state’s industry minister Rajesh Munat concluded Wednesday evening.
The government reviewed the progress of each company separately. However, the companies put the state government in the dock allegedly for failing to provide raw materials, land and water for the projects it had planned in the state.
“The companies have raised the issue of land, water and raw material, and the state government will look into it to help the corporate,” Munat told Business Standard. The industry department will coordinate with the departments concerned for land, water and raw material, he added.
The cement industries pointed out the issue of pending clearances for the limestone mines that had blocked the expansion projects. The cement manufacturers have not yet got the mines and hence the industrialists are in a fix to expedite the work of expanding the production.
The issue of Tata Steel also came up for review even as state government assured that it would take quick action for diverting the land for industrial purpose in Lohandiguda block where the company is going up with a 5.5 Million Tonne Per Annum Greenfield integrated steel plant.
Munat said the demarcation of land would be completed at the earliest and the land would be handed over to the Tata Steel soon.
The companies who are not serious to expedite the MoUs would face the axe. “A detailed report of the companies that have not taken any initiative after signing MoUs will be prepared and notices will be served seeking explanation,” Munat said. If the explanation was not satisfactory, government will consider scrapping the MoU, he added.
According to officials, 60 MoUs were reviewed in two days. The government has decided to review the progress of MoUs in every six months. The companies have been asked to give in writing what progress it has made in the project at the next meeting.
