nAjay Singh, Vice Chairman, State Planning Commission on Friday met Amitabh Kant, Chariman - NITI Aayog,  and Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman NITI Ayog,  and discussed the recent developments taking place in Chhattisgarh in line with the National Biofuel policy 2018.

?Ajay Singh put forth the view of the state government that it has decided to incentivise the establishment of rice based bio ethanol production units, which would produce bioethanol from the surplus rice procured by the state.

To attract private investment into this sector, he sought the help of the Centre on two key issues. One is , to encourage the sales of bio ethanol produced, the rate of sale should be attractive.

Union Petroleum Minister has also been requested to decide the rate of rice based bio ethanol at par with that of sugar/sugar syrup based ethanol.

Secondly, as per the guidelines of National Bio fuel Policy 2018, the rice based bio ethanol                production units have to seek permission every year from Agriculture Ministry. This provision is practically not viable and needs to be done away with.

Vice Chairman NITI Aayog has positively responded to the issues     discussed and has assured that an interdepartmental      meeting would be called at the earliest to resolve the issues.

Ajay Singh has also handed over a copy of the letter signed by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel regarding the establishment of rice based bioethanol production units in Chhattisgarh.

Devsenapati, Member Secretary, State Planning Commission- Chhattisgarh was also present during the meeting.