Dispur must hold talks with Centre on revival plan: Badruddin Ajmal

GUWAHATI: As the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has ordered that the Assam Government has to submit a revival plan for the two paper mills - Nagaon Paper Mill and Cachar Paper Mill before September 14 to avoid liquidation, various organizations and leaders have come forward urging the government to take initiative to save the future of lakhs of workers.

In this regard, AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) chief and Lok Sabha MP Badruddin Ajmal has submitted a letter to the Chief Minister to take necessary action for the revival of the HPC (Hindustan Paper Corporation) mills.

Ajmal said that the Government of Assam must immediately hold discussions with the Centre and arrive at a consensus regarding revival of the two paper mill on PPP (Public Private Partnership) basis, so that a formal proposal may be submitted to the NCLT before September 14.

The leader underlined that the CM had personally stated in Jagiroad recently that the State government would fight for revival of the paper mills till the end.

"The Government of Kerela has already pledged to bail out the sick HPC unit in the State. Similarly, the Government of Telangana has offered several concessions and incentives for revival of a sick private paper mill owned by JK Paper Limited," said Ajmal.

Further, he opined that it is incumbent upon the Government of Assam to redeem its promise of reviving the two paper mills.

He pointed out that a consortium of local entrepreneurs has come forward to invest funds and operate the paper mills, provided the Government clears the arrear dues to the employees.

"In case the Government cannot decide at this moment as to whether it can provide incentive along the lines of the Government of Telangana, then I urge you kindly at least send a letter to the NCLT before September 14, requesting that any decision on liquidation should be deferred for some time as in accordance with your commitment, the Government of Assam is interested in reviving the two paper mills and is trying to help some local entrepreneurs who are keen to invest funds for this purpose," Ajmal added.

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