|
Calcutta, Jan. 9: PricewaterhouseCoopers plans to partner the Bengal government to help make a policy for using closed factory land to setting up new industries.
The global consultancy giant is in a “mature” stage of discussion with the administration to guide the state on the issue at a time the new government is looking for land industry can use.
PwC director Ambarish Dasgupta said the firm planned to draw up a comprehensive list of units lying closed now.
“First, we need to make a detailed list of the number of industries closed, amount of land and various legal issues involved. In the second stage, we will create a manual on how the state can go about it, using the experience of some other states which have done it so far,” Dasgupta said.
The partnership gains significance as the Trinamul Congress-led government has decided to take a hands-off policy on land for industry.
Bengal industries minister Partha Chatterjee said an estimated 44,000 to 45,000 acres were locked up in closed mills. “We are trying to use this land so that new industry can be set up to create jobs,” he said.
PwC, which is taking part in Bengal Leads, will also help the state formulate an industry policy and one on building infrastructure.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today said her government would create a state highways authority. It will build roads that not only connect distant places but also create enabling infrastructure for industry which is wary of going to remote areas.
PwC senior manager Sotiris Pagdadis, who heads the infrastructure sector, would participate in Bengal Leads on Wednesday. Pagdadis is scheduled to speak on infrastructure management and financing. The New York-based Pagdadis is expected to spend considerable time in India and help the state draw up a policy framework for road projects.
|
