Development of Amravati MIDC top priority, says Pote

AMRAVATI: From Member of Legislative Council (MLC) in 2012 to minister of state for industries, mining and environment in the Devendra Fadnavis government, it has been a meteoric rise in politics for Pravin Pote. The clean image of this leader from western Vidarbha is one of the factors behind his selection for the ministerial berth. Despite being part of the ‘core circle’ of the CM, Pote says he is still a grassroots worker.“I want to remain a party worker and not a minister who sits in a closed-door cabin,” he says. Development of Amravati MIDC, Belora airport and railway wagon repairs factory in Badnera are his top priorities, besides making the city slum-free.
Excerpts from an interview …
As industry minister, how do you propose to develop Amravati?
Development of Amravati Five Star MIDC would be my top-most priority. The Belora airport issue would be resolved within a fortnight while the bhoomipujan of the railway wagon repairs factor at Badnera would be performed before December 24. This 2,000 crore project would generate direct employment to 2,500 people. Ancillary units would also come up. Special efforts will be made to start textile zones, orange processing units and cotton mills. By increasing FSI, quality houses can be built for slum dwellers. I will also work to develop concrete roads in the city. There is a need to change the face of co-operatives in our region. Bringing in more private limited companies would prove to be beneficial.
Is any new industrial policy in the offing?
I am only a minister of state and have my limitations. However, whenever such a policy will be discussed, I would certainly put forth my ideas. I will work to introduce one window scheme in the industry department for various clearances to eliminate corruption.
Being MoS for industry as well as environment, how do you plan to maintain a balance between these portfolios?
I have some good concepts which I will discuss with the chief minister. Environment protection is as important as industrial development.
Any plans to get environment clearance for the stalled irrigation projects in Vidarbha?
I will hold discussions with Union Minister Prakash Jawadekar to facilitate clearance for these projects.
The financial condition of Local Authorities is very poor. As a representative of the constituency, how do you propose to improve it?
Much of the revenue earned by local bodies is spent on construction of roads and drainages. This can be saved if development of roads and drainages in villages and towns in municipal councils and corporations is given on BoT basis to contractors constructing four-lane roads.
The LBT issue has not been resolved yet.
Our government is committed to finding suitable replacement for LBT.