SSUES PERTAINING to local industries are evidently not on the priority list of the Chandigarh administration - it is yet to convene a meeting of the Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC), which was constituted to sort out important issues relating to industries. On September 10, a 28-member committee headed by UT adviser Vijay Dev was constituted for a period of two years. It comprises representatives of industries, banks and administration officials. The mandate of the committee is to make suggestions for the promotion of industry and maintenance of Industrial Area. The committee is also required to make suggestions for the encouragement for entrepreneurship, to recommend appointment of study groups and sub-committees as required and for carrying out the recommendations and decisions of the committees. The committee is also entrusted with the task of making recommendations on all related policy matters such as industrial infrastructure, industrial incentives and safeguarding the interest of industrial workers. The administration had set up Phases I and II of the Industrial Area during the ‘70s on an area measuring 147 acres. Over the years, the industrialists have been complaining about inadequate infrastructure at the Industrial Area, traffic congestion, transportation problems, damaged roads, encroachment and law and order. These issues have also been highlighted in the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031. Industrialist Arun Mahajan, who is also a member of the committee, said there are several pressing issues related to industries that need to be addressed. He also lamented that industrialists face many hassles in getting their routine work done at the estate office. “The committee meeting should be held at the earliest so issues related to industry can be resolved,” urged Mahajan. Asked about the issue, UT home secretary and secretary (industries) Anurag Aggarwal said a meeting of the committee would be convened shortly. As per official figures, there are a total of 1,884 plots in phases I and Phase II, of which 443 plots are of 10 marla and 180 plots of 15 marla. As many as 381 plots are of 5 marla. There are around 700 plots measuring 1 kanal and above. For the past few years, industrialists have been demanding need-based changes.
