Tourism policy in West Bengal by March 2008

Based on a report by consultants Ernst and Young, the West Bengal government is likely to finalise its new tourism policy by end-March 2008. Ernst and Young had submitted its report to the state government in November 2007. The new policy will attract further private investments in the Tourism sector and encourage proposals to adopt the public-private-partnership (PPP) model.

Unified Mumbai Metropolitan Transport Authority formed

The Maharashtra government has constituted the Unified Mumbai Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMMTA), a body to oversee integrated development of various transport modes in Mumbai. The proposed UMMTA will facilitate coordination among MMRDA, BEST, ST and all transport institutes, resolve problems, attend to new projects and arrange finance for projects in MMR.

UMMTA will be chaired by the state Chief Secretary, while the work jurisdiction will be under Mumbai Metropolitan Planning Committee. The authority has 24 other members, including Additional Chief Secretary from the Urban Development department, Chief Secretaries from Planning, Revenue, Transport, General Manager of Railways and the BMC Commissioner.

Gujarat industrial policy to come up by May 2008

The Gujarat government is framing a new industrial policy, to be released by May 2008. The state will create three new economic corridors to house four special investment regions (SIR), including Bharuch-Dahej-Umargaon, Vadodara- Mehsana-Palanpur, and Surendranagar-Rajkot- Morbi-Kandla. Also, 10 logistic parks will be developed for Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), the three routes being; Palanpur- Mehsana, Ahmedabad-Surendranagar, Gandhidham-Samakhiyari, Dahej-Bharuch and Hazira-Surat. The new policy proposes a slew of industrial parks and port-led development. The state will offer incentives on electricity and stamp duty and emphasise cluster development.

New Mining policy by April 2008

The Centre is likely to announce its new mining policy by April 2008, which will incorporate changes in the royalty fees paid by mining firms. The policy objectives aim to invite massive FDI within the Mining sector and increase its contribution towards the GDP. FDI inflow of up to Rs.1,00,000 crore is expected within the next five years. The policy has been drawn in consultation with the state governments and has been in the developmental stage for almost two years.

Union Cabinet approves national mineral policy

On 13 March 2008, the Union Cabinet cleared the much-awaited National Mineral Policy-2008. The new policy is likely to attract FDI worth $250 million per annum in Mining, by the end of five years. The Cabinet has given its in-principle approval as recommended by the high-level committee together with modifications made in consultation with state governments, interministerial consultations and the Group of Ministers. The Cabinet also approved the setting up of an independent dispute resolution mechanism namely Mining Administrative Appellate Tribunal, which will be fully operational within six months.

West Bengal to announce textile policy soon

For the four textile segments - handlooms, garments, apparels and hosiery/knitwear, the West Bengal government is soon to announce a new textile policy. The policy is expected to boost the hosiery industry by generating a million jobs in Bengal's Textile sector, by 2012. A hosiery park has been proposed over 375 bhigas of land, of which 100 bhigas have been acquired by a SPV West Bengal Hosiery Park Infrastructure Ltd. According to state government officials some 146 small and medium entrepreneurs in hosiery and related manufacturing, are keen to invest in the park.