‘Assam needs industrial revolution, hydrocarbons hold key’

Guwahati, Aug 26 (PTI) Assam is in need of an industrialrevolution which can be achieved by developing the oilrefining sector, according to the state’s Industry MinisterChandra Mohan Patowary. Speaking at the India Oil and Gas Summit-2016 here today,Patowary spoke about the importance that the oil and gassector has in the economic development of the North Eastregion and how much more could be done in this sector. Narrating how other states have been developing their oilrefining sector vis-a-vis Assam and the void that exists, theminister said there is an urgent need for an industrialrevolution in the state. He assured that very soon a new North East Industrialand Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) would be launched forboosting the industrial development of the region. Patowary also said that by next month, both paper millsin Nagaon and Panchgram would be functioning again and theCentre has allocated a fund of Rs 680 crore for the purpose. The summit was organised by the Indian Chamber ofCommerce (ICC) with a theme ‘Charting the Roadmap forHydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North East’ which sawparticipation from CRISIL, Numaligarh Refinery, ONGC JorhatAsset, Oil India, Assam Petroleum, ONGC Tripura Power Company,Assam Departments of Mines and Minerals and Industries andCommerce, Government of Tripura, among others. PTI ESB DKB JMMR