MP proposes special package for industries to increase oxygen production
What's the story
The Madhya Pradesh government is planning to offer a special package to industrial units to increase oxygen production and set up new plants of the life-saving gas amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases, a senior official said on Tuesday. The package will be offered to those interested in the production of oxygen, its cylinders, oxygen concentrators, cryogenic containers and vessels, and related equipment.
Quote
Package will be provided to medical colleges, hospitals, nursing homes
"The package will also be offered to pre-existing and operational medical colleges, hospitals, and nursing homes provided they set up units for the production of oxygen or its storage cylinders," Sanjay Shukla, MP industries department's Principal Secretary said.
Details
Other criteria to avail the special package and incentives
"The micro, small, medium, and large greenfield industrial units, existing oxygen-producing units interested in the capacity expansion are eligible to avail the special package," Shukla said. "The units with a minimum oxygen production capacity of 10 cubic meters per hour would be eligible to avail the incentives under the special package," he added.
Assistance
Basic assistance will be given under the package
"Under the package, basic assistance will be given at a flat rate of 50 percent of the investment made in a plant, machinery, and building (excluding land and residential facilities) with a cap of Rs. 75 crore," Shukla said. "The eligible units will also be offered 50 percent of the expenditure incurred on maintaining safety standards, like fire-fighting equipment," the official said.
Rebate
Additional rebate will be offered on prevailing power tariff
Shukla said, "Besides, it will also offer a rebate of Re. 1 per unit on the prevailing power tariff, which will be in addition to any other rebate already offered by the MP Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC)." "The rebate can be availed for three years from the commercial date of production," he added.
Data
MP recorded 12,686 fresh COVID-19 cases
On Monday, Madhya Pradesh reported 12,686 COVID-19 cases, taking the state tally to 5,11,990 COVID-19 cases, and 5,221 COVID-19 deaths. In April so far, the state has recorded 2,16,479 new COVID-19 cases and 1,235 COVID-19 deaths, as per the official data.
Oxygen plants
Centre approved 551 dedicated oxygen generation plants using PM-CARES Fund
Notedly, amidst the growing oxygen crisis across the country, the Central Government on Monday approved the installation of 551 dedicated oxygen generation plants in government hospitals in district headquarters across the country, using PM-CARES Fund, the Indian Express reported. Last week, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to furnish a plan regarding oxygen and medical supply.