• PAGE ONE
• INDEX
• HOME

Centre to redefine household industries

Our Bureau

NEW DELHI, Nov. 22

THE Union Government on Wednesday said that it would redefine household industries in terms of the recommendations made by a committee and also amend the Master Plan for Delhi, if needed, to acquire more land for relocation of industries in industrial ar eas.

Acknowledging the problems being faced by industries functioning in residential areas which have been directed by the Supreme Court to close down, the Union Urban Development Minister, Mr Jagmohan, said the Government had agreed `in principle' to redefin e household industries. This will however, be subject to observance of safeguards in respect of pollution norms and in tune with the recommendations made by the Jagdish Sagar committee.

The norms pertain to the number of persons who can work in household industries, the power that can be sanctioned and the areas than can be used.

Following the Supreme Court order directing the closure of industrial units located in residential areas in Delhi, there has been violence in several parts of the Capital.

Mr Jagmohan told Parliament on Wednesday that the Government would also request the Supreme Court to give a little more time for relocation.

The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha by the former Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr Madan Lal Khurana and the Congress (I) leader, Mr Madhavarao Scindia.

According to Mr Jagmohan, the present situation had arisen due to the failure of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to develop plots for relocation of industries in Bawana and other areas. Although the Supreme Court started passing orders from February 1996 and up till December 1999, no one talked of amending the Master Plan, he pointed out.