State plans sops to woo investors

The Industries minister of Rajasthan has constituted a board to decide on sops for investors at the industrial areas of Rajasthan Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO). Although the board is yet to hold its first meeting, it is expected to explore possibilities of allowing non-industrial use of RIICO areas across the state.

“The expansion of urban areas has made them come close to industrial areas. Amid environmental concerns, many of these industries are located near densely populated areas. So, these industries need to shift. We have to find a way to provide relief to such investors,”said Industries minister Rajpal Singh Shekhawat.  According to officials, the board has been constituted following order of the high court regarding status of industries adjoining urban areas.

The industries department is considering developing these as hubs of commercial and institutional activities. “Industries are a necessity and if they are at one location they will be relocated to another. However, the land available at these areas will not become a dead asset for the investor,” said an official at RIICO. RIICO norms have provision to allow upto 15 per cent commercial and industrial activity at its industrial areas. The bar has recently been raised for a few RIICO areas in Jaipur. However, the board may also consider allowing residential use in areas where polluting industries are to be completely closed.

However, the change in RIICO areas may raise complications for urban planning as shift of industry is also expected to cause shift in residential and commutation pattern of a large number of workers.