Varanasi: The Varanasi district has attracted proposed investments worth Rs 21,456.42 crore through 198 MoUs, with 98 projects already fully operational and grounded investment of Rs 5,272.54 crore. Work is also progressing swiftly on 25 additional projects.District magistrate Satyendra Kumar on Tuesday directed officials to ensure that entrepreneurs receive priority access to govt scheme benefits and that their issues are resolved within stipulated timelines.He issued the directions while chairing a review meeting of the district-level Udyog Bandhu and district MoU implementation unit at the Collectorate auditorium. The meeting reviewed the progress of industrial and investment-related projects in the district.Entrepreneurs attending the meeting appreciated the improving investment climate in Varanasi and the support being provided by the district administration.During the review of the Nivesh Mitra portal, officials said that 546 applications have been received in the current financial year, of which 356 have been approved. One case remains pending beyond the prescribed timeline at the level of the regional manager, UPSIDA.The DM directed the officials concerned to clear pending and unresolved applications at the earliest. He also instructed the Varanasi Development Authority and other departments to coordinate closely with investors and ensure time-bound resolution of their concerns.The DM further ordered immediate action on issues related to the Chandpur Industrial Estate, including the removal of a dry tree, shifting of the post office and action against unauthorised loading and unloading by transport trucks parked in the area.Chief development officer Prakhar Kumar Singh, assistant commissioner of police (headquarters), assistant inspector general, registrar, deputy commissioner of industries and other departmental officers were present at the meeting.
