UP industries ask Finance Commission for funds to enhance power generation

Industries in Uttar Pradesh today urged the 13th Finance Commission for greater allocation of funds towards enhancing power generation in the state for giving impetus to industrialisation and economic development.

A Finance Commission delegation, headed by V S Kelkar, is on a three-day visit to UP. Yesterday, the commission met Chief Minister Mayawati and later in the day interacted with the leaders of various political parties and industry representatives.

In its memorandum, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) suggested additional funds towards establishment of additional power generation capacity, strengthening existing transmission and distribution system.

It also urged for strengthening roads, metro railways and special packages for economically backward Poorvanchal (eastern UP) and Bundelkhand regions.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) chamber Indian Industries Association (IIA) said the UP government needed central financial support to provide uninterrupted power supply to the industry.

“For an uninterrupted supply, the power utilities need to deploy remote switching and other technical up-gradation. We recommend that the Centre provides financial support for this important infrastructure,” the IIA said.

Besides, the IIA recommended one-time grant of Rs 200 crore for the development of infrastructure in 60 industrial estates in different parts of the state, especially for small-scale industries.

“The condition of physical infrastructure in these estates such as roads, drainage and electrical infrastructure etc needs heavy investment,” the IIA added.

UP industries also want the Centre to support upgradation of the Lucknow airport and set up new civil airports at Moradabad, Agra and Kanpur.