'Assam needs industrial revolution, hydrocarbons hold key'

Assam is in need of an industrial revolution which can be achieved by developing the oil refining sector, according to the state's Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary.
Speaking at the India Oil and Gas Summit-2016 here today, Patowary spoke about the importance that the oil and gas sector has in the economic development of the North East region and how much more could be done in this sector.
Narrating how other states have been developing their oil refining sector vis-a-vis Assam and the void that exists, the minister said there is an urgent need for an industrial revolution in the state.

He assured that very soon a new North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) would be launched for boosting the industrial development of the region.
Patowary also said that by next month, both paper mills in Nagaon and Panchgram would be functioning again and the Centre has allocated a fund of Rs 680 crore for the purpose.
The summit was organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) with a theme 'Charting the Roadmap for Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North East' which saw participation from CRISIL, Numaligarh Refinery, ONGC Jorhat Asset, Oil India, Assam Petroleum, ONGC Tripura Power Company, Assam Departments of Mines and Minerals and Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura, among others.