The turnaround can be attributed to investor friendly policy, akin to the one that the Government of India took in 1991 with the New Economic Policy. The several steps that Telangana took includes: speedy clearance aided by a single window, 100 per cent refund on VAT and GST, refund on stamp duty, exemption from Land Ceiling Act, exemption from electricity wheeling charges and not running around to get approval from the State Pollution Control Board.
The most visible area of the state’s renewable energy push has been in public transport system. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) for instance teamed up with TSREDCO to install solar rooftop systems on the bus stations, bus depots and workshops. In all, 97 bus depots and 364 bus stations have been covered and the savings are over Rs 2 crore per annum. What is more! It resulted in reduction in carbon emissions by 7,300 tonnes a year.
IndiGlobal Bureau
Food and beverage giant PepsiCo India is to invest Rs 778 crore food- focussed manufacturing plant in Assam in Nalbari. The plant, spread over 44.2 acres is expected to be operational in 2025. It will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to 500 people.
The farmers in the region would be benefitted immensely as the company would facilitate high-quality seeds and affordable machinery. According to sources, the plant will source 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from the state to produce its iconic brand Lays. The plant will also generate demand for cold storage capacity of 60,000 tonnes over the next few years, the company said in a statement.
lndia is among the fastest growing markets for PepsiCo in AMESA region, said Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer, Africa, Middle East & South Asia, PepsiCo, stressing the need for building capacity in the country where it started operations in 1989.
“India stands as a robust cornerstone among the world’s leading economies, underscored by its impressive growth trajectory. India is amongst the fastest growing markets for PepsiCo in AMESA region, and we are committed to invest in the nation to build capacity. Our first foods manufacturing plant in Assam is a testament of our long-term vision and unwavering support to the economic growth of the country by creating an equitable and sustainable ecosystem. This plant is poised to integrate the finest elements of PepsiCo’s global expertise while contributing to Assam’s holistic advancement. This decade is a decade of India and at PepsiCo, we are focused on building capabilities, availability and expanding penetration across the nation,” Willemsen said.
In India, PepsiCo sells brands like Pepsi, Lay’s, Kurkure, Tropicana, Gatorade and Quaker. On Wednesday, PepsiCo India also signed a tripartite MoU with Assam Skill Development Mission and Directorate of Employment and Craftsman training to enhance women employability in the region. The plant is expected to generate opportunities for the MSME industry including packaging products like laminates, carton, scrap and other local ancillary industry.
“Through the creation of employment opportunities and by empowering the farming community, our aim is to support the government’s drive for self-sufficiency in potato production. Our skilling initiatives will further focus on fostering an ecosystem of economic empowerment for the women of Assam, equipping them with essential training and parity in opportunities," said Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India.