STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation of the Oil India Ltd (OIL) office and skill development institute at Bamunimaidam today in the presence of Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli and OIL CMD Sushil Kumar Mishra.
The office and skill development institution on a plot of five-bigha land leased out for a long term by the State Government to OIL will cost Rs 200 crore.
The Chief Minister said, "This initiative will expand OIL's business, besides creating skilled youth to aid economic growth, and ultimately help realize PM's dream of skilled India. We are grateful to OIL CMD Mishra for his support in this regard."
The Chief Minister added, "The public sector oil major expanding its businesses have both direct and indirect positive impact on Assam's economy. In days to come, I would like to see OIL playing a larger role in the growth story of Assam that is being witnessed of late. OIL has made immense contributions towards socio-economic development in the state."
He further said, "OIL CMD Mishra deserves special mention for the leadership skills he displayed during the Baghjan incident."
Union Minister Teli said, "I'm elated today. I had long been pursuing the Centre for setting up OIL's headquarters in Guwahati. I got a response from the State Government and the Centre. It was a long-standing demand."
Although OIL already has its presence in Guwahati, with its Pipeline Headquarters remaining at Narengi, the new establishment at Bamunimaidam will further enhance the presence of OIL in Guwahati, an OIL official said. The skill development institute at the same location is also expected to provide ample opportunities for local youth to develop skills in various trades, thereby making them employable, the official said. Setting up the Guwahati office of OIL and the institute has started in right earnest, with preconstruction activities already completed.
OIL has its registered office at Duliajan and a corporate office at Noida in New Delhi.
The function witnessed the Chief Minister receiving Rs 5 crore from Union Minister Teli and OIL CMD Mishra as OIL's contribution to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The Chief Minister said, "The contribution will significantly aid our ongoing flood relief work."
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