‘High power tariff in UP is a major concern’

LUCKNOW : The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) wants the UP government to address issues of high power tariff, labour laws and land transfer on priority basis to create a better environment for investment in the state. The CII is an important industry body and was the state government’s partner in the two-day investors’ summit in February. It has a major role to play in another important event on July 29 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch projects approved at the February summit.

Sachit Jain, chairman, northern region, CII, who was in Lucknow on Friday to meet governor Ram Naik, chief minister Yogi Adityanath and presided over a meeting of industrialists to address their issues, spoke to

Pawan Dixit on investment climate in the state. Excerpts of the interview:

Are you satisfied with the law and order situation in UP?

The law and order situation in the state has improved to a large extent. Steps taken by the state government to improve the situation has helped provide investmentfriendly atmosphere. Industrialists are now willing to come to UP. If the situation remains the same, then more investment will come to the state in the next two years.

How is CII planning to help the state govt?

We have lined up many projects. But at present we want to take forward PM Narendra Modi’s promise and the UP government’s commitment to augment farmers’ income. Food processing is one such area from where farmers can supplement their income. At present, UP has tapped only 2% of its food processing potential. We will help farmers to adopt food processing on a large scale along with traditional farming.

We are organising a fourday agro-tech in Chandigarh in December where UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath will also be invited.

What are the areas where you are facing problems and want the state government to take corrective measures?

Our major concern is high power tariff in UP as compared to other states. We want the government to bring power tariff at par with other states. This will also cut down production cost of industrialists. The industry is also not getting 24x7 power supply, which is a pre-requisite for any industrial zone.

Labour laws are not industry-friendly here. They must be changed. Overtime hours for workers need to be more flexible and rules for working women also need a change.

Another important issue for industrialists is allocation of land. The land transfer policy in the state must be conducive for investors.

Is pollution also a nagging issue for industrialists?

Pollution norms are stringent. They are often used to harass industrialists. Apart from this, there are no clear cut guidelines on fire safety.