NOIDA: The Uttar Pradesh government has directed the industrial development authorities across the state to ensure that companies allocated IT, ITES, and institutional plots, construct and operate their own offices on the respective premises and not rent or sell them.
On Tuesday, Manoj Kumar Singh, the UP infrastructure and industrial development commissioner, issued a directive to all six industrial development authorities in the state including Noida and Greater Noida.
The government has received several complaints against investors who allegedly after acquiring plots, proceed to rent or sell them.
“Numerous cases have come to light where industrial plots, institutional, IT, and ITES spaces, allocated at concessional rates, to encourage investment and employment, are being leased out or resold. They are meant for entrepreneurs or investors who genuinely intend to establish industries and institutions by investing their funds,” Singh said.
The authorities have been asked to check the background of applicant-entrepreneurs thoroughly before new allotments are made in these categories. “This will ensure that only firms or companies capable of self-investment and will establish enterprises or institutions are granted allotments,” added Singh.
The directive further specifies that prior permission of the CEO is a must in case a plot is allotted to a relative of any authority employee.
“Failure to do so will be considered an act of indiscipline,” said Singh.
In April 2022, the authorities introduced the e-auction process for allotting industrial plots but reverted to the draw of lots, interviews, and background checks as the selection process in July this year.
Welcoming the new directive, Vipin Malhan, president of the Noida Entrepreneurs Association, said he is hopeful that this will eliminate profit-centric investors. “With the authorities reverting to the draw of lots, interviews, and background checks, genuine companies will receive the land now,” he said.
