In an attempt to help investors, the Mayawati Government has dug out an old government order dated September 29, 2000 — issued by the Ram Prakash Gupta government — and directed government officials at different levels to function as “escorts” for investors and facilitate setting up of projects.

The order had been gathering dust all these years until Chief Secretary Atul Kumar Gupta re-issued it on May 11, with directions for effective implementation. Copies of the order were sent to the principal secretaries, district magistrates and commissioners, besides officials of Department of Industrial Development.

“The objective behind the order was to facilitate the investor, besides fixing accountability of specific officers for ensuring particular investments. The order clearly stated that the work of an escort service officer would be considered accomplished only after the industrial unit, of which he has been given the responsibility, starts production,” said a senior officer in the Department of Industries.

The responsibility of the escort officers is clearly defined in the government order. “The escort officer is supposed to help the investor not only at the time some problem crops up, but his job will include procuring sanctions from all departments concerned and his job will be considered accomplished only after the investment unit starts production,” says the order.

Issued by the then chief secretary Yogendra Narain, the order fixes responsibilities of officers at different levels, depending on the size of investment. For an example, the district magistrates are supposed to render the escort service for any investment from Rs 1-10 crore. The investments of Rs 10-25 crore is the responsibility of the additional or joint director of industries.

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