Industrial self-reliance, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday emphasized the need to make the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) self-sustainable, independent of ongoing financial support from the state government.
Speaking during a high-level review meeting at Dibrugarh, the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by BCPL but underscored that the time has come to chart a long-term, independent future for the public sector enterprise.
CM Sarma Calls for Operational Overhaul
Chief Minister Sarma asserted that BCPL must evolve beyond dependency on government subsidies. “The state has supported BCPL through crucial phases, but for lasting growth, it must stand on its own,” he said. He pointed out that while the petrochemical project has long been considered a major economic initiative in Assam, it now requires structural and operational improvements to ensure sustainability.
BCPL, located at Lepetkata in Dibrugarh, is a central government initiative under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. It plays a vital role in the Northeast’s industrial development. However, issues such as low capacity utilization, delayed raw material supply, and rising operational costs have affected its performance.
Plans for Reducing Dependency
During the meeting, Sarma outlined several measures to ensure BCPL’s financial and operational independence.
These include:
- Improving the supply chain of natural gas and naphtha
- Enhancing plant efficiency to increase output
- Exploring regional and international markets for product expansion
- Encouraging private sector partnerships in technology and marketing
The CM also stressed the importance of research and innovation in value-added petrochemical products, stating that “BCPL must evolve with the market.”
Focus on Employment and Economic Growth
Sarma reiterated that BCPL is not just an industrial unit but a symbol of Assam’s economic aspirations. He noted that its sustained growth would create employment opportunities, boost local businesses, and elevate the industrial climate of the Upper Assam region.
Currently employing over 700 people directly and several thousand indirectly, the plant’s full potential remains untapped. “A fully operational BCPL can transform the economic landscape of the Northeast,” he said.
Central Coordination and Stakeholder Talks
The Chief Minister assured that his government will coordinate with the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and BCPL’s promoter GAIL India Ltd. for permanent fixes. He hinted at upcoming discussions to restructure operational policies and invite more stakeholder participation.
Top BCPL officials and industry experts also attended the meeting, where data was reviewed on past subsidies, future projections, and critical bottlenecks.
Industrial Growth Without Burdening the Exchequer
Sarma stressed that his administration is focused on economic growth without recurring state liabilities. “We want enterprises to become engines of growth, not burdens on the exchequer,” he added. This aligns with Assam’s larger goal of attracting investments without repeated government bailouts.
The Chief Minister’s statement comes at a time when other states are also reassessing public sector productivity and exploring PPP (Public-Private Partnership) models to modernize their industrial units.
Path Ahead for BCPL
The state government will soon announce a task force to monitor the implementation of reforms and keep BCPL on track. This team will work alongside BCPL management and national agencies to ensure the plant operates at optimal capacity with minimal government dependency.
As Assam moves toward industrial modernization, BCPL’s transformation could serve as a blueprint for other public sector units struggling with similar challenges.
To stay updated on developments regarding BCPL and industrial policies in Assam, visit the official website of the Industries Department.
