New Industrial Policy for North Eastern states with focus on attracting investments: MoS DoNER

New Delhi, Mar 8 (KNN) The government is exploring the suggestions made by the NITI Aayog led committee for a new industrial policy for northeastern states, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

A committee under the chairmanship of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITI Aayog consisting of Secretaries of Ministries/ Departments of Development of North Eastern Region, Expenditure, Commerce, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Textiles, Tourism, Health and Family Welfare, Power and Industrial Policy and Promotion has suggested a roadmap for a new industrial policy for North Eastern States, after consultation with stakeholders, the minister informed.

He further said that some ministries are also implementing specific Schemes/Incentives to attract investments in the North Eastern Region.

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is operating a scheme for Promotion of MSMEs in N.E. Region.

A new scheme SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing) is being implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). Under this scheme, grants-in- aid are provided on more concessional terms for the North Eastern States for setting up Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure etc, Singh said.

A specific Scheme called North East BPO Promotion Scheme (NEBPS) for attracting investment is being implemented by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.

Talking to KNN, R S Joshi of the Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), said among the prime needs of the northeastern states is a dedicated policy for each state considering the resources and opportunities to harness those resources.

Citing the example of Tripura, Joshi said that the area has immense potential to be established as an energy provider to the rest of the states.

Despite tremendous potential on the economic front, the industries aren't performing to the best of what it can due to lack of comprehensive framework, Joshi added. (With PIB Inputs) (KNN/DA)