Year 2019, which had been remarkably tormenting for the Indian economy, however, ended with a revisit to the high 5 trillion dollar economy dream with a promise to take care of the current woes also, thanks to Union FM’s announcement of a mega Rs 102 lakh crore investment plan termed National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). So far as its necessity is concerned, it must be said that it was need of the hour since the vital task is to uplift the sagging spirits and inject confidence into the economic atmosphere where most stakeholders seem to be running short of confidence. But, it has also given rise to a few questions, crux of which is a reminder of reality aspects. How far the targets can be achieved when the economy is gripped by an acute lethargy and above all, where from this mammoth sum of money will flow? There must be no answers right at the moment and since the above target will be spread over next five years, a reasonable time of at least two years will be necessary to track how expectedly things are taking shape.
NIP is actually a report of the task force on investments which had incorporated suggestions from various stakeholders. As per proposals, percentage-wise break-up will be energy (24), roads (19), urban development (16) and railways (13) which will make around 70 per cent of the total projected investments, with sharing by Centre & States (39 % each) and remaining 22 % by private sector. Giving boost to infra projects, creation of jobs, improvement of ease of living, providing equitable access to infrastructure are its spelt-out objectives. There can be no questions about the need of these egalitarian intentions since lack of infrastructure had always proved to be a bumper in attaining desired pace of development, a classic example must be the Northeast in general and Arunachal in particular. But according to even the most optimistic economists, unless there are rapid and immediate improvements in the economy which has fallen sick that has consequently resulted in shortfall of revenue collections both by Centre and many States, the task will gradually prove to be herculean, not to say about private investments where the  current mood is to avoid taking risks. Then there will be inescapable issues such as project delays, cost overruns and so on. It will be here where the proposed monitoring mechanism will play a huge role whose task will be to keep constant vigil on the most vital part which is timely implementation.
From NE and Arunachal’s point of view, it goes without saying that infra needs are genuine, requiring immediate redressal and it would be great if the NIP banner throws open wider opportunities to pursue the idea further.

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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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