Centre Approves NMIZ At Chittoor, Medak

The union government has given an in-principle approval for the setting up of National Manufacturing and Investment Zones (NMIZ) in Chittoor and Medak. The Centre has also approved another NMIZ at Tumkur in Karanataka.

This information was disclosed by union minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma on Friday, while he was reviewing industry-related issues with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, in Kovalam, Kerala.

Senior officers from the department of Commerce And Industry, Government of India, made presentations on the National Manufacturing Policy, recent changes in the foreign direct investment regime, new guidelines for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Policy, the handloom and plantation sectors, and the eBiz Project.

Speaking about the National Manufacturing Policy, Sharma said that three NMIZs have been given in-principle approval.

"In-principle approval has been given to three NMIZs. I urge the state governments to speed up the process of establishing these investment hubs," he said.

The state governments also sought clarifications in, and expressed appreciation for, changes in the SEZ policy.

Representatives from Tamil Nadu raised the issue of the problems faced by the Tirupur textile industry in the wake of the Supreme Court's recent judgment.

Sharma assured the Tamil Nadu state government support from the Centre to meet the requirements of the textile workers. He also said that the recent announcement of 21 new schemes for Integrated Textile Parks has taken the total number of such parks to 61.

"A large number of these parks are in the southern states of India. They need to take full advantage of the scheme," added Sharma.

The Andhra Pradesh delegation was informed about the upcoming National Institute Of Design and a branch of the Footwear Design And Development Institute in the state.

All the state governments raised issues related to plantations, and sought support for the sector. Sharma assured them complete assistance for the same. (INN)