February 22: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oil has laid the foundation stone of Daiji Chela Industrial Area in line with the government's policy to establish one industrial zone in each province. Daiji Chela Industrial Area, being established in Daiji, Kanachanpur of Sudurpaschim Province, will occupy 240.34 hectares of land.

According to the Detailed Project Report completed in 2018, out of 100 industrial plots, 23 plots will be allocated for small industries, 44 for middle-scale industries and 33 plots for large-scale industries. Daiji Industrial Area is expected to generate 22,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The project with an estimated cost of Rs 9 billion will be funded by the government.

Sanjay Lal Shrestha, director of Industrial District Management Limited (IDML), said the government plans to bring the Daiji Chela Industrial Area into operation as soon as possible after the completion of its construction. It has proposed the government for the funding but the latter is yet to ascertain about this matter.

 The state-owned IDML that carried out the feasibility study of the Industrial Area said that Daili Chela Industrial Area could be completed in five years starting from 2020/21. After one month of laying the foundation stone, IDML plans to seek proposals to establish industries in the industrial area and construct infrastructure based on their proposals.

To attract industrialists, IDML is providing full waiver on rent for five years and subsidy on water to be consumed by industries. IDML is also asking subsidy with the government on energy consumption and waiver on demurrage charge for importing raw material and machines.

Private sector leaders are upbeat with the government plan to set up the industrial zone.

“We are very positive about the establishment of industrial area. As soon as the construction of infrastructure required for industries will be completed, industries from private sector will participate in the Industrial Area,” said Vice President of Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The government is also constructing five other industrial areas in Motipur of Makwanpur, Shaktikhor of Chitwan, Damak of Jhapa, Motipur of Rupandehi and Naybasti of Banke.