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Bengal unveils incentives for industries

Our Bureau

KOLKATA, Jan. 4

DOWNSTREAM units of Haldia Petrochemicals, units involved in IT, electronics and the agro sector will get special treatment in the new industrial incentive scheme announced by the West Bengal Government today.

The Government will incur an annual expense of Rs 100 crore in implementing this scheme, according to the Finance Minister, Dr Ashim Dasgupta.

Alongside this scheme, the Government also announced a State-assisted scheme for provident fund cover for unorganised workers. The Government's intent regarding both these schemes was in the budget for 2000-01.

The salient features of the incentive scheme are:

W Extending a package of subsidies on capital investment, interest and employment generation to industrial units depending on their location

W Waiver of electricity duty, stamp duty and registration fee.

W Special incentives for tanning units to help their relocation if it is accompanied by modernisation.

W To encourage reopening of closed units, there would be additional incentive in the form of subsidy at the rate of Rs 500 per worker month for two years after reopening. W Mega projects exceeding Rs 250 crore would get a special package on a case-by-ca se basis.

Under the scheme for unorganised labour, which was announced by the State Labour Minister, Mr Santi Ghatak, 50 categories of industries would be covered. The scheme would be implemented by the Labour Department through its directorate with help from panc hayats and municipalities.