Assam oppn flays govt for ordinance on land to MSMES

nGUWAHATI: Opposition parties have slammed the Assam government’s move to issue an ordinance on Monday to allow the setting up of small and medium enterprises (MSMES) without required permissions for three years. The ordinance allows “land to be deemed converted for industrial purpose”.

Industries minister Chandra Mohan Patowary called the ordinance “historic and far-reaching” that would ease the process of setting up industries. Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi is yet to approve the ordinance, which has triggered concerns over the conversion of agricultural land for industrial purposes without checks.

Congress leader Debabrata Saikia said it will hurt Assam’s rural economy and farmers.the All Assam Students Union (AASU) said the ordinance is anti-indigenous people. Liberal Democratic Party chairman Prodyut Bora opposed the ordinance, saying it will lead to land grab by “moneybags”.