Patna, July 14: The urban development and the Department for International Development (DFID), UK government, is working on a business plan to boost micro, small and medium scale industries and create employment opportunities.

The first workshop as part of the scheme was held today at the Patna divisional commissioner’s office. Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) mayor Afzal Imam chaired the event.

“On the basis of preliminary assessment by the firm selected by DFID to prepare the city business plan for four urban local bodies — PMC, Danapur, Phulwarisharif and Khagaul municipal councils — we have asked them to prepare plans for the potentials in healthcare, synthetic leather, printing and steel fabrication sectors. The state government would also seek grants from the Centre for execution of the plans,” said Imam.

The plans discuss the salient features of the city in terms of spatial growth, demography, key economic activities, economic base, institutional system of business start-up approvals, processes, location advantages, investment viability, potentials and challenges. The plans also map the present and future economic prospects of the city.

According to sources, DFID has selected Delhi-based Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Private Limited for preparation of the plans for the four urban local bodies under its Support Programme for Urban Reforms scheme.