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Industrial clusters likely to get special status
7 February 2011: The Urban Development (UD) Department has proposed the creation of a separate 'budget' for industrial clusters in Mumbai and other urban pockets in the state in order to upgrading civic infrastructure, including roads, stormwater drains, street lights and effluent treatment in such areas on priority.
The department has also proposed setting up of an independent committee to plan and monitor the provision of civic facilities in such areas. The proposed panel, to be called Industrial Area Civic Facilities Committee, will be headed by the mayors of the respective municipal corporations (presidents in the case municipal councils). It will be responsible for formulating a master plan for improvement of civic facilities and implementing it on priority.
The UD department has proposed to grant powers to the committee to prepare an independent budget for taking up civic projects planned in these parts. Funding support for this budgetary exercise will come from the respective municipalities and the state government, both of which will also enjoy a share in the revenue earned. The committee will also be responsible for procuring administrative approvals for the civic projects planned in these areas and advising the government and municipalities on rate of tax/charges to be levied in such areas.
The plan is already at an advanced stage. The proposal was put before the state cabinet on February 2, which deferred a decision in this regard. Municipal laws will have to be modified to incorporate the new plan.
Source: Times of India