As part of its push towards industrialisation, Bihar state in India is set to come up with its own leather and textile policy and plans to develop Kishanganj as an industry hub. Leather from Panjipada in Kishanganj is used across the country as well as enjoying exports too.

The establishment of industry and employment generation were key promises made by parties during last year’s assembly elections. After the NDA returned to power in the state in November last year, the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) has given stage 1 clearance to a total 200 units. The state’s industry department has already come out of its own ethanol and oxygen production policy.

Bihar’s industry minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain is sure the state will turn a corner sooner than later. “Another 200 units with an investment potential of over ₹3,000 crore will be taken up in the next meeting of SIPB,” he said.