‘Industrial park in Ayodhya will spur region’s growth’

LUCKNOW:As the Yogi government plans to set up six industrial parks across UP, experts have suggested the same facility in Ayodhya region will ensure overall development of the area considered to be among the most backward ones in the state.

The Ayodhya belt comprising Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Basti and Gonda is among most backward regions in the state with minimal presence of industries. Indian Industries Association (IIA) has suggested a small industrial park in the region. Its location must be such that it is easily accessible from the state capital and also covers the entire region. This facility must be dedicated to micro small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

“As the government plans to roll out projects of over several thousand crores in Ayodhya, the temple town is all set for a mega makeover,” said Pankaj Kumar, national president, IIA.

“Construction of Ram Mandir will stimulate business activity in the region, especially Ayodhya. With so many development projects slated for Ayodhya, an industrial park in the area will help pull out the region from

backwardness,” added Kumar.

At present, the region is only famous for generating labourers (workforce) for industries across the state. The state government has approved six integrated industrial parks for MSMEs in Agra, Kanpur, Moradabad, Varanasi, Azamgarh and Gorakhpur.

“It is easy to set up MSME units. The government must provide certain incentives for MSMEs to set up their units in Ayodhya region which is all set to witness increased economic activity,” said Manmohan Agarwal, general secretary of the IIA.

The state government has already approved new township in 600 acres for Ayodhya.

“A small industrial park can also be set up in this new township. But it will take time for this township to come up. Therefore, a small industrial park must be set up in Ayodhya region,” said Agarwal.