Rajya Sabha MP NK Singh and (right) BIA vice-president SK Patwari at the event on Monday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Patna, Jan. 17: The Bihar Industries Association (BIA) today held a discussion on catalysing investment in the state.

The discussion, held on the premises of the association, put forward the trends of the NDA-I government and the hurdles against boosting industry in Bihar.

Member of Rajya Sabha N.K. Singh said it was essentially the state government’s domain to catalyse investments in the state and it involves merging with the national trends.

President of the association Shailendra P. Sinha said: “The state has undergone a vast change in the past five years in the industrial scenario. However, growth in terms of manufacturing and investment by the local entrepreneurs or outsiders has been modest.”

He added: “Today, a lot of industries are willing to venture into Bihar but are barred because of the state’s industrial policy, high cost, retrospective billing of huge fuel surcharge and entry tax, which affects the input cost of the manufacturer. While interpretation and implementation of industrial policy is a problem, unplanned urban development is another area of concern.”

On how to make the state’s economic policies effective, Sinha said: “The mindset needs to change from a regulatory to a more facilitating attitude. There should also be more investment in manufacturing so that more jobs could be created in the private sectors. A minimum 15 per cent sustained growth should be maintained to join the run-up with other states.”

Singh suggested several formula to help develop industry in the state. He said: “There should be a skill development commission which would help combat migration because of unemployment and poverty. Thirteen to 15 industrial clusters should be set up in places like Patna, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Katihar, Munger, Supaul and Hajipur. Bihar could also seek to open innovative universities, as part of the central government’s plan to open 15 such universities.”

He added: “A state viability fund should be constituted for better infrastructure in investments and dry ports should be linked to nearby international ports for specific business purposes. Public-private partnership should be boosted in sectors like power and road but with models that suit the state and proactive steps for its implementation.”

He also said: “Central investments should be made systematically and latest technology for low fossil fuel-based energy should be introduced. The state’s image should be propagated outside through proper branding of schemes and conditions.”

World Bank consultant Raju Awasthi, present at the event, also appreciated the efforts of the state government.