Commerce and Industries minister Kawasi Lakhma on Wednesday laid emphasis on setting up small scale industries for food processing and value addition to generate employment in Bastar region, which has abundance of agriculture and forest produce.
He was addressing a seminar on ‘Bastar Division Level Industrial Development’ at Kumharand-based Shahid Gundadhur Agriculture College auditorium, Jagdalpur.
Those who would show interest in setting up these industries in the region will be provided all assistance, he added.
At present the 2014 Industrial Policy is effective which will be changed by the year end.
“State government led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has decided to form the new policy after holding discussion with industrialists, so that it becomes easy to implement it,” he said.
“Government is laying emphasis on providing maximum employment to youth, so smaller cottage industries are better option. The industrialists should also come forward to establish ancillary units linked to upcoming Nagarnar Steel Plant being established by the NMDC,” minister said.
Lakhma said, “On the industries department website, the link is available where the industrialists can register their suggestions.”
“Works for setting up Dhurvagaon and Sukma food processing centres have been completed. At Kondagaon, the maize processing unit is being established at a cost of Rs 105 crore. The work is in progress at faster pace,” he said. Minister announced a residential training centre for youth at Jagdalpur and Durg for those showing interest in establishing industries in memory of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Government will bear the complete expenses of training. Commerce and Industries Department Principal Secretary Manoj Kumar Pingua also addressed the gathering.