Bhubaneswar: The state Cabinet on Friday approved some amendments to the Odisha Food Processing Policy 2016 seeking to simplify the administration and approval process for fiscal incentives.
The changes are in line with the corresponding provisions of the Odisha Food Processing Policy 2022, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
The amendment has restructured the committees responsible for approving fiscal incentive claims of MSMEs under the policy. Previously, there were three committees: SDLC chaired by the Director of Industries, Odisha (up to Rs 25 lakh), Sub-SLEC chaired by the Secretary, MSME Department (Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore), and SLEC chaired by the Chief Secretary (more than Rs 1 crore).
With the amendment, the committees will be
– DLC under the chairmanship of the Collector & District Magistrate of the respective district for investments up to Rs 1 crore
– SDLC chaired by the Director of Industries, Odisha, for investments between Rs 1 crore and Rs 10 crores
– SLC chaired by the Secretary, MSME Department for investments between Rs 10 crores and Rs 50 crores
The changes are likely ensure simplification and reduction of the procedures for administering financial incentives to MSMEs, thereby increasing the pace of investment promotion in the food processing sector and generating more employment opportunities in the state. The Odisha Food Processing Policy 2022 was notified on November 30, 2022, and these amendments aim to ensure smooth implementation.