The Hindu Business Line : Leather development project: Bengal CM unhappy over implementation delays

THE Council of Leather Exports (CLE) has requested the Planning Commission to ensure speedy implementation of the proposed Rs 400-crore integrated programme for development of the leather industry.

Scheduled to commence during the ongoing Tenth Plan period, the proposal is yet to receive Cabinet approval and is still making the rounds in different Central Ministries.

"The programme, inclusive of a Rs 150-crore fund for modernisation of tanneries, was scheduled to be implemented during the Tenth Plan period (2002-07). The proposal has been a victim of bureaucratic red-tape," said Mr S.S. Kumar, Chairman of CLE, while addressing the 20th AGM of the council.

The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, said that he would personally ensure that the issue is resolved.

"I will request the Planning Commission Chairman to expedite the implementation of the programme.

"As West Bengal contributes 60 per cent of the country's total leather exports, I will pitch for a substantial share of this fund."

Speaking about the Calcutta Leather Complex, Mr Bhattacharjee requested the CLE to take an interest in the project, which has been delayed.

"I am not happy with the delay in the commencement of the project. I want to hand over the management of the complex to you in the future."

When contacted, the BOT (build, operate, transfer) party in the project, M.L. Dalmiya & Co, said it was unaware of any such development.

Mr Kumar also hesitated to shoulder such a responsibility.

"CLE is not a business body. Our job is to promote leather exports and we will continue to do the same."