Meghalaya orders probe on violation of industrial policy

Press Trust of India Updated - March 16, 2012 at 06:27 PM.

The Meghalaya Government has ordered an inquiry into the violation of the State industrial policy by some industrial units, the Chief Minister, Mr Mukul Shangma, told the State Assembly today.

“An inquiry committee has been constituted to look into the matter and actions will be taken against those found violating the guidelines,” Mr Sangma said during Question Hour.

“There were eight industrial units already indicted by the CAG for claiming subsidies from the Government, but have not adhered to the State industrial policy.

“These units have also availed Rs 85.28 crore as part of the Government policy to provide incentives to promote industrial investment in the State,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the matter was brought to light by CAG report during the period ending March 31, 2010.

One of the guidelines violated was not following the provision of employing 60 per cent of total recruitment from local indigenous unemployed youths, he said.

The inquiry committee, to be headed by the Commissioner and Secretary of the Commerce and Industries Department, would submit its report within 60 days, Mr Sangma said.

The inquiry committee would also examine whether all industrial units complied with the Investment and Industrial Policy of the State.

“If the enquiry committee finds that they did not comply with the terms and condition of the policy, we'll direct the units to refund the incentives availed by them,” the Chief Minister said.

The State Government was also in the process of preparing amendment to the Investment and Industrial Policy of the state to halt misuse of subsidies and resources, he said.

Published on March 16, 2012 12:57