Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday, while winding up his four-day maiden tour of the State, justified the Assam Government’s plea for increasing the oil royalty and said the Central and the State Government will work out a solution to benefit the State. During his visit, the Union Minister visited various oil fields and refineries in the State and interacted with the top officials
“I have agreed on principle to the demand of Assam for increased oil royalty. The previous Government did not handle the matter sensitively. The Gujarat Government approached the Supreme Court and it ruled the judgment in State’s favour,” he said adding that his Government is working out on a solution to settle the matter soon. Terming the State as ‘Gangotri’ of hydrocarbon, Pradhan said his Government is trying to make a vision document of hydrocarbon in Assam and other parts of the North-East region. The Minister further said efforts have already been taken to boost investment in the hydrocarbon section in the North-East.
“Assam has laid the foundation of hydrocarbon sector in the country. A total of 10 per cent of the country’s total gas and oil production is from Assam till today. I have come here to review the overall scenario so the Government can take up steps to boost the production in hydrocarbon sector in the region,” said Pradhan. “At present our total hydrocarbon import is 77 per cent. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked us to reduce the import to a minimum of 67 per cent by 2022, when the country will celebrate its 75th Independence Day,” he said.
He also said that the Central Government had decided to set up a world class skill development centre to develop the skills relating to hydrocarbon sector in upper Assam. “This is done while considering the necessity of the hydrocarbon sector,” he added. The Minister said his Ministry had also instituted a high-level panel to prepare a vision document of hydrocarbon sector in the region within next three year’s time. Pradhan also said the much hyped Brahmaputra Crackers and Polymer limited (BCPl) is likely to be dedicated to the nation this year. “I am going to request the Prime Minister to come to Assam and dedicate the project to the people of the country,” he said.