Centre approves NMIZ at Chittoor, Medak

Kovalam, April 26 : The Union Government has given in-principle approval for setting up of National Manufacturing and Investment Zones in Chittoor and Medak. The Centre has also approved another NMIZ at Tumkur in Karanataka.

This information was disclosed by Union Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma on Friday while reviewing industry-related issues with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, in Kovalam, Kerala. Senior officers from the Department of Commerce and Industry, Government of India made presentations on National Manufacturing Policy, recent changes in Foreign Direct Investment regime, new guidelines for Special Economic Zone Policy, handloom and plantation sector, and eBiz Project.

While speaking about the National Manufacturing Policy, Sharma informed that three NMIZ have been given in-principle approval. “In-principle approval has been given to three NMIZs. I urge the state governments to speed up the process of establishing these investment hubs,” he said. The State Governments sought clarifications and expressed appreciation for changes in SEZ policy.

Representatives from Tamil Nadu raised the issue of the problems faced by Tirupur textile industry in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment. Sharma assured the Tamil Nadu state government full support from the Centre to meet the requirements of the textile workers. He also informed that recent announcement of 21 new Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks has taken the total number of such Parks to 61. “A large number of these parks are in the Southern states of India. They need to take full advantage of the Scheme,” added Sharma.

The Andhra Pradesh delegation was informed about the upcoming National Institute of Design and a branch of Footwear Design and Development Institute in the State.

All the State governments raised issues related to plantation and sought support for the sector. Sharma assured them complete assistance for the same. INN