In a bid to boost industrial investment, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to develop dedicated clusters for different categories of industries, similar to the sports goods cluster in Meerut. As part of the initiative, industrial land will be made more affordable, and lease rent significantly reduced. Startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will receive priority in land allotment.
A new policy is also being drafted to allocate industrial plots through a lottery system instead of auctions, aiming to simplify the setup process for new units.
These decisions were finalised on Wednesday during a review meeting on industrial reforms chaired by Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ at his official residence. MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan also attended the meeting.
The ministers stressed the need for modern, uniform facilities across all industrial areas and for smoother procedures to attract investors. They directed that rules for land allotment should be standardised across industrial development authorities, and the system of plot transfers scrapped. Allottees failing to utilise their plots for industrial purposes will face cancellation.
The meeting also proposed plug-and-play facilities for micro-entrepreneurs through sheds offered on low instalments. Industrial areas will be equipped with community centres, fire stations, electricity substations, dispensaries, canteens, and police outposts.
Officials agreed that lease rent should be minimal, and only development charges should apply when plots lie on government land. Priority will also be given to industries operating from rented premises and those seeking expansion.
Senior officials including Industrial Development Additional Chief Secretary Alok Kumar, Secretary Pranjal Yadav, Invest UP CEO Vijay Kiran Anand, and representatives of Laghu Udyog Bharati were present.
Other Decisions Taken in the Meeting
1. Fire NOC procedures to be simplified through a collective system.
2. Plot possession period extended from three to six months.
3. Pollution, fire, and electrical safety NOCs to be issued simultaneously with map approval.
4. Funds collected from industrial units to be used exclusively for industrial area development.
5. Land allocation for workers’ housing to be increased.
6. At least 25 per cent discount to be offered on the total cost and development charge for allocation of private land.