dna impact: Industry minister says industry demands will be met in 30 days

A day after dna reported that many industry bodies wanted the chief minister to address many of their long-pending demands first before going for the Make in Maharashtra policy, industry minister Prakash Mehta said these issues will be resolved "within a month".

The industry has been seeking the removal of LBT (Local Bodies Tax)/octroi, reduction in power tariff, withdrawal of petrol surcharge and better road connectivity first.

"For the removal of bottlenecks and unnecessary taxes, we are consulting industry experts. On LBT and Octroi, a decision is expected by tomorrow. Removing surcharge on petrol and reducing power tariff for heavy industries are also being considered. A decision would be taken in 30 days. A survey would be conducted before that," said Mehta, who spoke to dna on the sidelines of an industry event in Mumbai on Wednesday.

"Heavy industries are already enjoying 30% power tariff discount. A decision on further cuts will be taken in a month," he promised.

The All India Association of Industries (AIAI) believes Maharashtra has been losing businesses to Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh because of multiple taxes and higher production costs. The AIAI had, in fact, submitted a memorandum of demands to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis early this month.

The Assocham also echoed the AIAI's views.