- By Akansha Pandey
- Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:42 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA), in partnership with the Industries Department, has launched the 'BIADA Amnesty Policy 2025' with the hope of restarting closed industries in Bihar. According to information, 15 out of 425 units in the industrial area are currently shut down. However, so far, BIADA has not received a single application under this new policy.
Pawan Kumar, an entrepreneur who had to go to court to reopen his sealed factory, said that the department had sealed his unit in 2022 due to overdue rent, even though it was operational at the time. He suggested that entrepreneurs might consider taking advantage of the new policy if some changes were made. He pointed out that the policy has strict conditions for those acquiring land, such as depositing a 1 per cent advance on the land rate and providing a 5 per cent bank guarantee. This puts a strain on the working capital of small entrepreneurs. Additionally, there is a 15 per cent fee based on the circle rate for transferring a plant, which would cause a financial loss. For these reasons, he feels it's better to seek help from the courts.
Another entrepreneur, Avnish Kishore, also suggested some improvements. According to him, the department should take steps like accepting post-dated checks instead of bank guarantees, reducing the transfer fee to between 5 per cent and 7 per cent, and allowing penalties to be paid in installments. He believes this would be more beneficial for business owners.
BIADA's Deputy General Manager, Neeraj Kumar Mishra, confirmed that no applications have been received yet. He said that discussions will be held with entrepreneurs to make them aware of the new policy.
He explained in detail that the main goal of this policy is to breathe new life into closed industries, ensure proper use of BIADA's land, and resolve long-standing disputes. This policy will be in effect until December 31, 2025. Under this policy, a chance is being given to all industrial units that have been closed for years for any reason, could not start production on time, or have a dispute with BIADA. Such units can get their land re-allotted if they meet the set conditions and follow the agreement.
It's worth noting that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced this policy on August 15 (of this year, 2025), and it received cabinet approval on August 26. This amnesty policy will also settle cases where land allotted for industry was canceled, applications have been stuck for years, or where entrepreneurs want to change their product line or transfer ownership.
