Given a majority of industries in Assam are micro in nature and run by first generation entrepreneurs, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a special policy package, in line with the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), for the micro sector.
Gogoi also said that the micro sector of Assam has “failed to reap the benefits” from the NEIIPP, which was declared in 2007, and was almost a continuation of North East Industrial Policy (NEIP) of 1997.
“A majority of industries in Assam are micro in nature and run by first generation entrepreneurs and contribute substantial employment. From the experience gained from implementation of the North East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP, 2007) it appears micro units including handloom and handicraft units have failed to reap the benefits of the Policy,” said Gogoi.
He has demanded that a separate policy be declared exclusively for the micro sector with simplified procedures and documentations.
“A separate special policy package for micro sector enterprises and especially for the agro based small and cottage industries be declared with simplified procedures and documentations,” Gogoi said.
Further he also demanded transport subsidy for the micro sector for internal movement of raw materials and finished goods within the state.
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He said if required rules be amended in “relevant sections” of the notification issued under the NEIPP, 2007.
“In order to impart competitive advantage to the micro sector, the industrial units falling in the category of micro sector may be made eligible for the transport subsidy for internal movement of raw materials and finished goods within the state by amending the relevant sections of the notification issued under the NEIIPP, 2007,” said Gogoi.
He also sought special support from the Centre for local crafts. “The local crafts like firecracker industry, Assamese jewellery, terracotta, water hyacinth, jute, bamboo etc need up-gradation of skills, designs and technology for accessing wider markets. We request the Centre for providing liberal financial support for product specific common facility service centres,” the chief minister said.