As Assam government is bracing up to table state budget for 2021-22, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has sought waiver of Property Tax and Fixed Electricity Charges for hospitality sector.

In a submission to Ajanta Neog, Finance Minister of Assam CII suggested to give relief to the hospitality sector which is one of the worst sufferers of the current pandemic situation we suggest to waive the Property Tax and Fixed Electricity Charges. The waiver of Fixed Electricity Charges should be extended to all the industries and commercial establishments for three months. These benefits have already been offered in other states like Gujarat.

CII said, “SGST Refund under Assam State Industrial Policy should be resumed.Various excise levies like bar license fee should be reduced/rationalized. Adequate budget provision should be made to liquidate the back log of Incentives under the State Industrial Policy.

The industrial body observed that of the State is very less though it is available in scattered locations. To make the industrial infrastructure readily available we submit the Government to consider building up Flatted Factories. The Flatted Factories will be the spaces offered to the tiny industries in multistoried buildings built by the Government in towns. This will mitigate the problem of non-availability of industrial shed in the industrial estates of the prime locations. The Flatted Factories can be developed in relatively much less land areas than the industrial estates, with five/ six storied buildings where many tiny industries can be absorbed in one building. These Flatted Factories can be developed in each district, sub division etc.

“Since a bamboo ecosystem is already in place in Jagiroad and Panchgram areas for the long serving Hindustan Paper Corporation where bamboo was the prime raw material, we propose the Government to consider developing Bamboo Industrial Park in a portion of the area belonged to HPC.To give a boost to the bamboo sector the Government may make it mandatory for using bamboo tiles for flooring of public buildings. Bamboo tiles are highly durable and give an elegant, ethnic look. Similarly, Bamboo blinds and other bamboo based products should be used by the state PWD,” CII added.

The body stated, “Over the years the oil royalty has been a major source of revenue for the State. This sector will draw large investment – both public and private, if the state helps in land acquisition and approvals. To give a fillip to the oil and gas sector, it is very much essential to get the local administrative support in many fronts. For proper implementation of several schemes launched by the Central Government for the covid affected economy, particularly the Medium, Small and Micro industries, we suggest the state government to organize periodical review meetings with the Bank Heads under the Chairpersonship of Finance Minister”.