Capt questions concessions to refinery
Wednesday, 25/06/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140625/punjab.htm#14
Chandigarh : The Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Capt Amarinder Singh, today demanded that the terms and conditions for the Bathinda refinery be reviewed as the project had failed to boost the state's economy, provide jobs or bring about any socio-economic relief to the people, especially those of Bathinda region.
Amarinder said he was against giving "undue concessions" to the refinery jointly owned by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited-Mittal Energy Limited (HPMEL).
The former Chief Minister said the setting up of such a major project was expected to generate jobs and improve economy. But this had not happened. "However, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, for reasons best known to him, offered several concessions, whether in terms of soft and interest-free loans or VAT exemption (Rs 2,000 crore) for another 15 years, that too when the state was starved of funds," he said.
Amarinder said he welcomed investment in Punjab, but not at the cost of the state's economy. "If you have to provide loans and undue concessions to the investor, what is the point of the investment,” he asked.
