Industry bodies seek changes in Odisha Food Processing policy

Industry associations in Odisha have suggested for enhancement of capital investment subsidy to a maximum of Rs 10 crore at the rate of 25% for general category entrepreneurs from the present limit of Rs two crore as promised in the Odisha Food Processing policy -- 2013.

The industry bodies have sought to amend the policy for bringing it in tune with the Industrial Policy Resolution -- 2015. They have also suggested for giving capital investment subsidy at the rate of 33% for units promoted by SC (scheduled caste), ST (scheduled tribe) and units set up in the KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) districts.

Associations have sought reimbursement of 75% of course fee limited to Rs 50,000 per course, as entrepreneurship development subsidy, for the budding entrepreneurs to undergo management development training in reputed national level institutions for creating a culture of entrepreneurship in the state. They have suggested incorporating employment cost subsidy in the existing Food Processing Policy-2013.

Besides this, they have pitched for reimbursement of 75% in case of male employees and 100% in case of female employees of the expenditure on account of contribution towards ESI (Employees' State Insurance) and EPF (Employees' Provident Fund). The employment cost subsidy for an additional period of two years is sought to make the policy in conjunction with the IPR-2015.

"We have received suggestions from various industry associations. The amendments to the Odisha Food Processing Policy-2013 is under consideration of the state", said a government official.

Food processing sector has been identified as one of the priority sectors in IPR-2015.

It may be noted that the sector specific policy of 2013 policy promises a capital investment subsidy upto 20% with a maximum limit of Rs 15 crore to the special purpose vehicle to develop mega food parks and sea food parks in the state.