FINER push for NEIIPP

The minister was briefed on the background of NEIIPP  and as to how it has helped in industrialization and creation of large-scale employment. He was also apprised of substantial investment is in the pipeline awaiting announcement of the policy. The delegation informed him that an early announcement would be in sync with the Act East Policy,while  Assam Government has already  created a separate department for it.

The minister was positive in his response and said that the policy was already under active consideration and being sent to the Cabinet. The delegation harped on the fact that the proposed policy in its present form has been diluted to a great extent and in case it is declared in this  form, it will not  attract  much investment  or  create  employment opportunities.  Generation of employment under the previous policy had minimized the insurgency problem to a great extent as unemployed youths were absorbed in gainful employment in industrial units. Minister was informed that the first generation and local entrepreneurs, as well as corporates from outside had started making a beeline to Northeast since last few years, till the policy was abruptly suspended in December 2014 and then expired in March 2017 .

Minister was also briefed about  dilution of the GST benefits to 58%  from 100% as committed earlier. The minister advised the Jt. Secy , NE ,Dr Vanda Kumar to look into it.

The delegation also met NITI Ayog CEO Amitav Kant. He was briefed on the expectations of the industry fraternity from the new policy .He was requested that the capital subsidy limit should be raised to Rs 50.0 crore and a freight subsidy be fixed at 50% at least. 

Later, the delegation called on Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Nripendra Mishra. Mishra gave a patient hearing in detail and also perused the memorandum  submitted to him.