DM takes stock of issues faced by investors

Varanasi: Investment of over Rs 22,914 crore in the district has been proposed so far through MoUs and 86 of the projects are complete and operational. Against investment target of Rs 6,000 crore assigned to the district for the upcoming GBC 5.0, approximately 60 per cent investment has been registered on the Sarathi portal so far. Most of the applications received through ‘Nivesh Mitra' portal have been disposed of and directions have been given to complete the remaining at the earliest.District magistrate Satyendra Kumar held a meeting of District Udyog Bandhu Committee and MOU Implementation Unit on Monday to review progress of industrial development and investment proposals. He heard problems of MOU/investors and directed officials of concerned departments to resolve them. He laid special emphasis on swift resolution of investors' problems and encouraging industries.Various problems raised by entrepreneurs at Industrial Estate Chandpur, Maheshpur — such as non-acceptance of cheques for electricity bill payment, closure of the payment counter at the Industrial Estate Power House, tripping issues, and complaints related to electricity bill generation — were addressed by directing executive engineer of the electricity department to conduct on-site inspection and ensure proper permanent solutions.The DM directed officials to increase police patrolling in industrial areas and instructed forest department officials to fell dry trees at the earliest. Nagar nigam was directed to resolve complaints such as double taxation of buildings from some entrepreneurs and to ensure daily cleaning and garbage collection. He issued directions for appropriate solutions while taking swift action on various problems of entrepreneurs. He also directed them for immediate disposal of cases pending on Nivesh Mitra portal.Besides, he directed officials to identify illegal brick kilns through a campaign, get them listed and take action. Along with discussion on compliance with directions from the previous meeting, directions were given for time-bound action on cases received in the meeting. The DM directed deputy commissioner of industries to ensure scheme-wise extensive publicity of facilities, grants and schemes provided by district administration for establishment of any type of industrial unit in the district.Appealing to the entrepreneurs, investors, and business organisations of the district, Kumar said conducive environment for establishing industries, administrative cooperation, swift approvals and various incentive schemes of govt are available in the district. Interested investors should come forward fearlessly. District administration is prepared to cooperate at every level, he assured.