 "Odisha cabinet okays export policy")
The state, last year, exported Rs 12,246 crore worth of goods. The state intends to take it up to Rs 39,000 cr in ten years. Briefing the newspersons after the cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary, GC Pati said, at present, minerals account for the lion’s share of the total exports from the state. However, in future, export of handicraft, handloom and agricultural product will be encouraged.
Similarly, for hassle free operation, the exporters will be provided exporter cards and also be given financial assistance to attend international trade meets.
He said, the government intends to set up trade information centre and institute export award to give an impetus to export of merchandise from the state.
The cabinet today approved total of 21 proposals including amendment to mining of minor minerals such as sand, gravel and boulders.
According to the cabinet decision, the rules relating to mining of minor minerals will be amended with addition of a clause to get prior clearances from the Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) for raising of sand, gravel and boulders from the land, which would now be allotted on lease basis for a period of five years instead of land allotment through annual auction route as followed earlier. The amendment has been made in line with a Supreme Court direction to this effect in December 2012.
The government also approved plans to disburse block grants to colleges established before June 2008 in educationally developed districts, while the cut-off date for this purpose in educationally backward districts is fixed as June, 2010. The block grants will also be provided to women’s colleges established before 2010, said G C Pati, the state chief secretary while briefing media persons after the cabinet meeting.