Working single window must for growth: UCCI

Slow delivery system and delay in decision-making and poor infrastructure have slowed down the industrial growth in Orissa, according to Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI), the premier association of industrialists in the state.

Making a presentation on the occasion of the 40th foundation day celebration of UCCI, the traders' body said, though an Industrial Policy Resolution is in effect, a "working single window" and "deemed clearance policy" have to be devised.

A pro-active government policy and actions are not enough to ensure rapid industrialisation. The existing industries have to be strengthened to bolster the confidence of the investors, the industry members observed.

They also demanded that the state government should rehabilitate sick units and at the same time provide incentives to encourage successful ventures.

Moreover, the UCCI members suggested that in industrially backward state like Orissa, expediting the disinvestments process is imperative with the focus on power reforms.

While foreign direct investment (FDI) for infrastructural development is necessary, special economic zones and formation of viable SSI clusters are other thrust areas for the state government, the industry body said.

Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said, the state government is striving to create an industry-friendly atmosphere to boost trade and commerce in the state.

This includes developing the runway of Biju Patnaik airport and improving road communication between Pipli and Konark and to various Buddhist centers like Jajpur, Kendrapara, Dhauli hills and Bhubaneswar and Puri. All these factors will boost tourism in Orissa by attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

In the award giving ceremony organised on the occasion, IMFA Group swept the honours in the Very Large Scale Industry category.

While Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) was adjudged the Best Enterprise in the State in the said category, Indian Charge Chrome Ltd (ICCL) was honoured as the Best Exporter.

Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), N R Mohanty was given away the UCCI Excellence award for his outstanding contribution to promotion of trade and industry while managing director of Orissa Stevedores Ltd (OSL), Mahimananda Mishra was conferred the UCCI award for Best Entrepreneur of the year and aluminium major Nalco received the Best Exporter Award of the year.

Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik gave away the awards.