Question : CREATION OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

(a) the initiatives taken by the Government to create industry base and employment opportunities in the North Eastern States;

(b) whether the Government has any project/plan/schemes to promote the establishment of industry, especially which can provide large number of employment in North Eastern Region and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has any project/plan/schemes to promote local arts/artisan for the establishment of bulk production/marketing support/ financial support to create employment opportunities in the region; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a): There has been continued focus for development of North Eastern Region(NER) during the last Plan periods. For creation of conducive atmosphere for industrial investment and generation of employment opportunities, the Government has emphasised expeditious and time bound completion of critical infrastructure of NER, viz. road, rail, inland water transport, power, airports and air connectivity, telecom connectivity, etc. With the objective of rapid economic development, industrialization and trade inthe region, the Government has also proactively taken initiatives for promoting linkages with other parts of the country and forclose bilateral relations by developing connectivity withthe neighbouring countries and other South East Asian countries in pursuance of the ‘Act East Policy`.

(b)to (d) : DIPP has a set of policy to encourage industrial investment in NER. M/o MSME is implementing various central sector schemes for promotion and development of medium, small and micro enterprises. North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) under the M/o DoNERpromotes enterprises in handloom and handicrafts sector and provide a platform for promoting the local artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs by creating demand for their products in national and international markets. As a follow-up to the announcement made by the Hon’ble Prime Ministerfor setting up of an Apparel and Garment Centre in each of the North Eastern states,M/o Textiles has initiated action for implementation of the programmeunder the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS).The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) under M/o DoNERprovides financial assistance to entrepreneurs for setting up industrial units in the NER.

Skill Development is a thrust area to cater to the skilled manpower needsof the potential growth sectors, including hospitality, services and processing of agro-foods, plant based, animal products, etc.with the ultimate objective of large scale employment and income generation.