The Gujarat council of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has sought abolishment of octroi in the state in the VAT regime. The industry body plans to rope in a professional agency to conduct a study to look for alternative mechanisms for the archaic and regressive law.

The study would be handed over to the government, said Naishad Parekh. The collective octroi revenue of all six corporations is around Rs 2,000 crore. We can collectively prepare a plan, he said. Working on the GARVI Gujarat: Competitiveness for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, in the year 06-07, CII will work to assimilate industry views and public opinion, to add value to governments in formulating and implementing policies, thereby ensuring a win-win relationship.

CII will work to develop a shared, agreed vision for industrial development of Gujarat in partnership with the state government, said CII president Chetan Tamboli.Regarding its stand on the reservation issue, the industry body said it was for affirmative action so that all sections are included in the process of growth. A committee under JJ Irani has prepared the first draft of recommendations on the issue, said Gaurav Nanavati, former president of the CII.

Besides, the CII will sensitise industry on HIV/AIDS on the social front. Talking about agro and food processing industry, Tamboli said that CII would work towards enhancing capability of agri sector via learning sessions for farmers on internationally benchmarked practices.

It will also empower rural economy and create employment generation in rural areas by setting up rural business hubs the state. The industry body also announced it would organise `AgriFare 2006. In textiles and apparels, it will organise a conference on textile trends in Surat, create a textile training institute.As far as the chemical, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors are concerned, CII would send a mission to China.