Assocham for setting up of nuclear power plants in UP

Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) today suggested setting up of nuclear power plants in Uttar Pradesh to tide over power shortage, which is the bane of industry in the state.

Assocham said since assembly poll were slated to be held next year, the new regime in the state could take the initiative for preparing the groundwork for the proposed nuclear power plants.

“There was no loss of human life in the Fukushima nuclear power plant incident in Japan, which shows the safety mechanism of the technology involving nuclear power,” Assocham secretary general D S Rawat said at a conference call here.

He said while UP was doing fairly well on the industrial and agricultural front, the power situation in the state was blunting its competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the industry body released a 15 point agenda to the political parties for inclusion in their proposed manifestos to achieving double digit growth during the next decade in UP.

“This agenda would be submitted to all the political parties and the legislators from the state,” he added.

“Food processing, automobile, textiles, leather, cement, healthcare, pharmaceutical, information technology, real estate and tourism are significant areas which can transform the state economy,” Rawat said.

Promotion of public-private partnership in agriculture, industry and services sectors is of prime importance to creating new jobs and promote economic activity in UP.

“We feel that cluster development approach can help spur employment in micro, small and medium enterprises,” he added.

Embroidery, rice mills, powerloom, leather, glass, carpet, banarsi saree, screen printing, food processing, readymade garments, jute, yarn/rope and zari are certain key areas identified by Assocham to be developed on cluster development model.

Meanwhile, Assocham has engaged PwC for preparing a research paper on the agricultural sector in the state, which would soon be submitted to the state government.

The apex industry body has also proposed collaboration in skill development initiatives and setting up of export promotion zones.

“Considering that nearly 80 per cent of the state population is engaged in agricultural activities, the state must facilitate contract farming by attracting investments from the private sector,” he added.