Farmers demand industrial plots for rural youth

AURANGABAD: Fearing that the criteria set for allotting plots in the DMIC will deprive them of the chance to get plots, a few farmers here demanded the DMIC officials to reserve some plots for them.
DMIC general manager Gajanan Patil had said that the plots would be allotted on the basis of score criteria, which include type of the product, experience of the entrepreneur, innovation, start-ups and new industry.
The farmers alleged that the government is focusing on attracting foreign investment, which is only stunting the growth of rural entrepreneurs.
Looking at the criteria set by the MIDC, it seems that the government policy is meant to encourage only rich and foreign investors, alleged Navnath Jadhav, a farmer from Ambad.
Criteria such as experience in industrial business and 5% of land cost as token amount show that the plots are out of reach for rural youth, especially for those from the economically backward society and those who are newcomers, he said.
There are many skilled local youth without industrial business background. To encourage these youth, the government should reserve some plots for them, Jadhav said.
He also urged the DMIC official that the government should focus on providing infrastructure facility to farmers to facilitate them to export agro-products. Lack of infrastructure facility such as proper sheds, cold storage systems are hampering them to take up agro business, he said.
Ex-serviceman Shahaji Peche from Sautada village of Beed district said, “I want to set up a c or kerosene driven water pump set, which will be economical and light weight. For 11 years I have been trying to get an industrial plot, but in vain. Though many vacant plots available, we are told that no plots are available.”
Denying the allegations, MIDC Aurangabad regional officer Soham Wayal said no plots are lying idle in Waluj, Shendra or Chikalthana.
Trying to clear the air of misunderstandings, DMIC general manager Patil said the entire procedure is transparent and start-ups and new entrepreneurs would also get plots.