Decision on Assam Industry Ordinance | Congress opposes move; BJP defends

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Council of Ministers' (CoM) decision to pass the MSME (Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs) Ordinance on June 29, 2020 that is set to put an end to the process of multiple permissions for the setting up of MSMEs in the State for next three years faced opposition from various other parties and organizations.

After the Council of Ministers' meeting State Industries Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary went on record tweeting, "…the Cabinet has approved an Ordinance today, now anyone will be able to set up industry in Assam just by submitting one self-declaration. No permission, clearance or licence will be required for three years. Land will also be deemed converted for industrial purpose. Such bold and advantageous change is expected to accelerate the industrialization process in Assam."

Opposing the decision, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Debabrata Saikia said, "Such a decision is sad. The State government has already declared the lands adjacent to National Highways as industrial lands. With such an Ordinance the State government is trying to set up industries on agricultural lands in the State. Such an announcement is set to make the Assamese lose their rights over land.

"This decision goes against the own decision of the State Cabinet taken on December 21, 2019. At that meeting, the Cabinet decided to enact an Act to ensure the land rights of the indigenous people of the State. The decision to make industrial advancement destroying the agriculture sector is suicidal. I appeal to all to oppose this decision. State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora was also part of the decision. He opted to keep mum. This makes it crystal clear that he's not a protector of the interests of Assam."

On the contrary, welcoming the decision, State BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass said, "The decision has been taken for the rehabilitation of migrant workers who have returned to the State. We need to take measures for the rehabilitation of migrant workers as the possibility of their going back to previous jobs is remote. The provisional permissions will be given only on right lands for the setting up of industries."

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