M.Y.EQBAL, J. - (1.) IN this writ application the petitioner seeks a direction upon the respondents to disburse the capital investment subsidy in terms of the policy decision of the Government.
(2.) THE case of the petitioner is that it being attracted by the Industrial Policy of the Bihar Government announced in 1993 took a decision to set up an industry. Under the said Industrial Policy 1993 one of the incentive was that the Industries coming Into production between 1st April 1993 and 31st March 1998 will be entitled to subsidy on the capital investment to the tune of 15% or 5 Lacs whichever is less on the investment made in the plant and machinery. The petitioner established an industry and the said industry was registered as Small Scale Industry with the Industries Department. According to the petitioner the production of steel cast iron and sheets was started from 28.12.1997. The petitioner applied for disbursement of capital subsidy to the tune of Rs. 2,26,603/ - being 15% of the total investment. The said application was received by the respondents on 23.9.1998 but nothing was done and it was only by letter dated 8.2.1999 the Director of Industries called for application from the General Manager, District Industries Centre, Hazaribagh with his recommendation. The petitioner was then called upon by letter dated 8.6.1999 to submit certain documents which was duly submitted. It is contended that since then the petitioner has been repeatedly requesting the respondents* for the release of capital subsidy but the same has not been released. The respondent No. 4 General Manager, District Industries Centre, Hazaribagh in his counter affidavit has stated that Industrial Policy 1993 was effective from 1.4.1993 to 31.3.1998 and in between another Industrial Policy 1995 was also announced by the Government and was made effective w.e.f. 1.9.1995. According to 1995 Industrial Policy those units who started their actual commercial production after 1.9.1995 but had made substantial fixed capital investment prior to 1.9.1995 will have the option to avail a package of Incentive provided in the Industrial Policy 1993. It Is stated that the claim of the petitioner was thoroughly examined and it was found that the land was purchased by the petitioner unit on 25.8.1997 and permanent registration was granted on 31.12.1997 and the date of production was confirmed on 28.12.1997. The petitioner unit obtained the electrical connection after 1.9.1995. The petitioner unit therefore come under the purview of 1995 policy. The respondents further case is that the petitioner unit is completely closed and even electrical connection has been disconnected. Under the Industrial Policy 1995 there is no provision of any type of subsidy and entitlement of incentive.
(3.) I have heard Mr.S.L. Agarwal, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned JC to Additional Advocate -General.;