THE Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has decided to set up a mega 2,500 crore worth gas cracker project in Assam, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions. This was conveyed by GAIL Chairman and Managing Director Proshanto Banerjee in a high-level meeting with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. GAIL would be seeking concessions from both the State and Central Governments. It has also set certain conditions like sales tax exemption on raw materials, excise  and customs duty exemption, location site, royalty, transport facility, security and conducive  work environment for realisation of the project. Mr. Banerjee informed that GAIL would be able to produce 1.60 lakh tonne cubic gas from the local available reserves. If the project comes up in the next four to five years, it would provide tremendous boost to the process of industrialisation particularly the growth of small scale industries in the state, he added.

Pointing out that the project would provide direct employment to above 600 and indirect employment to 1000 persons, Mr Banerjee urged the State Government for a    suitable plot of land where the outflow of product is convenient and linked with road and rail communication is available.   As plastic products are being used widely all over the globe this project can cater to the growing demands for basic plastic in a big way, giving a boost to the economy of the State, he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi assured the delegation that the state government would actively consider the conditions set by GAIL and also take up the matter with the central government.   Commerce and Industries Minister Bhubaneswar Kalita, Principal Secretary,  Industries, P C Sarma and the press advisor to Chief Minister Deba Kumar Bora were also present in the meeting.

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