B’khand Development Board to discuss various issues with CM

LUCKNOW : Before its meeting with chief minister Yogi Adityanath scheduled in the first week of June, the Bundelkhand Development Board has invited proposals from industrialists of all seven districts of the region willing to set up oxygen plants.

In the meeting, the Board will take up several issues with the CM, including preparedness in the region for third wave of Covid-19. It will also suggest the CM to provide financial assistance to those migrant workers who have returned home after the outbreak of second wave of the pandemic from the Board’s fund.

“We have invited proposals from industrialists who want to set up oxygen plants in the region. The Board will take up the issue with the state government for speedy rollout of projects for those who are interested,” said Raja Bundela, vice chairman, Bundelkhand Development Board. “We have listed out the issues to be taken up during our meeting with the chief minister,” added Raja Bundela.

Recently, the state government announced oxygen policy to encourage industrialists to set up oxygen plants. Under this policy, maximum rebate has been given to those willing to set up oxygen plants in Bundelkhand region.

Migrant workers belonging to the region have returned to their hometowns in large numbers in the second wave of the pandemic. Migration from Bundelkhand for employment is high due to backwardness of the region.

“The Board has reports about migrant workers returning to their hometowns during this pandemic. We will put forward a proposal before the CM to extend financial assistance to them from the Board’s fund,” said Bundela.

Keeping in view the looming third wave of the pandemic, the Board is also planning to set up Covid care centres in the region having dedicated paediatric wards. It has also identified places where such medical facilities could come up.

On February 21, 2018, PM Narendra Modi had announced Rs 20,000 crore defence industrial corridor in Bundelkhand—considered one of the most backward regions in the state. The Yogi government has offered financial benefits for such units willing to give year-long skill development training along with job to the youth.

The Yogi government has offered capital subsidy for such industrialists who are willing to invest up to Rs 10 crore.