the government of Assam, in an attempt to gain further control over the natural resources of the state, has proposed the introduction of a bill that aims to bring natural gas and gas plants under its purview. While disclosing this in the assembly on March 17, industries minister Gunin Hazarika said that the authorities concerned have already been entrusted with the task of laying down the details of the bill.
During the announcement, Hazarika expressed his ire over the mess that the 1,000 metric tonne fertiliser plant at Namrup in upper Assam had got into because of unstable supply of gas to the country's oldest gas-based fertiliser factory.
The state would request the Centre to constitute a National Council for Oil Development, demanding that ministers from oil and gas producing states of India - apart from technocrats - be members of the council, informed Hazarika.
He suggested that all disputes relating to oil and gas production and the sharing of its benefits, could be referred to this council.
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