Industrialization would generate more jobs to the unemployed and there is urgent need to create an investor friendly state to attract more outside investments in sectors like agriculture, horticulture, forest and minerals.

In 2015, Arunachal Pradesh took bottom place in the survey sponsored by the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP). The World Bank and consulting firm KPMG were associated with the survey. The DIPP listed eight areas in which states were ranked: setting up a business, allotment of land and obtaining construction permits, complying with environmental procedures, complying with labour regulations, obtaining infrastructure-related utilities, registering and complying with tax procedures, carrying out inspections, and enforcing contracts.

The Arunachal government also made an all out effort to leave its and mark and coax investors to invest in the state in the recent Vibrant Gujarat Summit-2017. Chief Minister Pema Khandu also held an Investor’s Meet along the sidelines of the summit and sought investment in Agriculture, Horticulture and Tourism sectors.

Charming people at such events is one things but  getting investors to actually invest in the state is another ball-game altogether.

The state government led by Pema Khandu has been quite vocal about breaking Arunachal’s image of a resource-crunch state. Reiterating on several occasions to break the state’s dependency on central funds; but this is only possible with private investment. Therefore, the state needs to check out the DIPP criterion once again and work on rectifying the shortcomings. Investors will only come if there is ease of doing business and a business friendly environment.

In the same vein, there is also need to relook and relax Inner Line Permit norms. Although the ILP policy has safeguarded locals it has also resulted in isolation and economic backwardness. Unfavourable to outside investment the economy here is solely dependent on central funds. Further, the ILP has largely impacted the tourism sector and has effectively deterred its growth.

Another important aspect is a peaceful environment which hinges on a competent and a robust police administration. Law and order is precarious in the state and this puts off many interested businessmen. Forceful donations and extortions have become commonplace.

The state government first needs to improve the situation on the ground before pursuing investors and investment. It should not be the other way round.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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