In new policy, state government to push industrially backward areas

Gurgaon: With cities like Gurgaon and Faridabad already crowded, the proposed industrial policy for Haryana will focus on the development of the underdeveloped and less popular industrial areas in the state, deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala has said.
The industrial estates in Haryana have been categorised into four types — A, B, C and D — depending on their level of development. While A consists of industrially developed areas, B comprises areas of ‘intermediate development’, C covers industrially backward areas and D is the most backward areas.
“The industrial estates falling in block A are already overpopulated. My focus would be on B, C and D blocks, especially the last two as we need thrust in these areas. There is ample land and workforce available there for industries,” said Chautala.
The A category includes all blocks of Gurgaon and Faridabad, along with two others from Sonepat and one each from Panipat and Rewari.
The minister added that the government is ready to extend all required support and arrange for the power and water infrastructure in the selected areas. The government already provides incentives for investors in C and D blocks. According to sources, the incentive structure might be changed to garner more interest in the industrially backward areas.
However, it will be a big challenge for the government to attract investors in these areas when it is finding it difficult to find investors even in A blocks. For instance, 1,500 acres of industrial land in Sohna has seen no takers in more than five years after its launch.
Even in industrial areas such as Gurgaon and Faridabad, there is growing resentment due to issues of power, high augmentation charges and lack of facilities, while several industries in Manesar have had to move due to high costs. “The cost of running an industry in Manesar is extremely high. The land prices, plus the augmentation charges, have caused many to shift base while others are struggling,” said a Manesar-based industry owner, not wishing to be named.
Moreover, in their suggestions for industrial policy, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to offer incentives for A-category blocks as well.
“As of now, the state government only offers incentives in C and D blocks. We’re requesting the government to offer it in A and B categories too,” Rajesh Kapoor, senior director, CII (northern region) said.