Push to border trade, fiscal policy to give north-east a facelift: Kiren Rijiju

GUWAHATI: Minister of state for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju, said the NDA government has begun “Acting East“ and plans to set up several integrated check posts (ICP) along the international border with Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The junior minister, who was in Guwahati on Wednesday, announced that the government is drafting a new fiscal policy for the region, which is expected to plug the loopholes of existing North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2007 (NEIIPP 2007). It's over 160 days and the government has put in abeyance registration of new unit under the policy.

The integrated check posts have been planned to boost India's trade with the neighbouring countries. “The ICP will come up at Moreh in Manipur, Dawki in Meghalaya, Kaladan and Kawarpuchia in Mizoram, Pangshu pass in Arunachal Pradesh, Dhubri and Karimganj in Assam. One such ICP has come up in Agartala in Tripura,“ Rijiju said.

According to him, the ICPs will curb illegal trade across the borders.“The ministry of commerce and the ministry of external affairs are also working on it. In smaller places we will have border huts.“

The minister said that the NEIIPP had loopholes and there were leakage of subsidies. “A better policy is under active consideration which will plug the leaks and loopholes.“

Chief ministers of the northeastern states have opposed the Centre's move to do away with the special-category status for the region. “A panel of chief ministers is looking into the issue. It will submit its report to the NITI Ayog,“ Rijiju said.