NE industry bodies get ready with wish list for new government

GUWAHATI: With North East India attracting unprecedented poltical importance during the 2014 elections, industry bodies in North East India get ready with wish list for the new government which will be installed after May 16. Industry has sought dedicated five year plan for eight states of North East India to bring the region at par with rest of the country in terms of economic development. Local industry body, Federation of Industry and Commerce of the North East Region ( FINER) on Friday stated that economic and infrastructure imbalance of the region needs to be addressed .

RS Joshi, Chairman of FINER said: "A five year national plan for the North East, whereby the infrastructure sustainable growth could be at par with other advanced states. We will not require subsidy and incentives if we come at par with other states as there will be level playing field." FINER has sought fast completion of ongoing railways projects, including projects being accorded national status. "Works on setting up wagon factory and other manufacturing units must start on war footing."

The body added that all state capitals and important cities need to be connected with railways. "As announced earlier attempt must be made for developing Guwahati as a hub of regional connectivity." FINER vice chairman Amit Kr Jain said that the fiscal incentives of Northeast Industrial and Investment policy 2007 (NEIIPP 2007) should be implemented in its letter and spirit by restoring the spirit of the policy . According to Assam government investment worth . Rs 20,000 crores were hit following the notification.