Question : Investment in NER

(a) whether the Government currently have any plans ready to attract investment in the North Eastern Region and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) the details of sectors for which the Government of India is keen to attract investment?

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
[Dr. Jitendra Singh]

(a) & (b) Yes Madam. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has supported North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) to set up a dedicated Venture Fund for the North Eastern Region (NER) with a corpus of Rs.100 crore.

A Committee under the chairmanship of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITI Aayog consisting of Secretaries of Ministries/ Departments of Development of North Eastern Region, Expenditure, Commerce, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Textiles, Tourism, Health and Family Welfare, Power and Industrial Policy and Promotion has suggested a roadmap for a new industrial policy for North Eastern States, after consultation with stakeholders.

Some Ministries are also implementing specific Schemes/Incentives to attract investments in the North Eastern Region. Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises is operating a scheme for Promotion of MSMEs in N.E. Region. A new scheme SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing) is being implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). Under this scheme, grants-in-aid are provided on more concessional terms for the North Eastern States for setting up Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure etc. A specific Scheme called North East BPO Promotion Scheme (NEBPS) for attracting investment is being implemented by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.