CII proposes a north economic zone

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has stressed a common economic zone in north India in order to create synergies across the region, and sought support from the Uttaranchal government in this regard.

A CII delegation, headed by Ajay S Shriram, chairman, CII (northern region), met Chief Minister N D Tiwari and put forward proposals calling for the formation of a common economic zone in the north without multiple tax structures, free movements of goods, and sharing best practices of innovations among various states.

Among other things, the CII also asked the state government to focus on 10 key areas, among which are 7 per cent economic growth, 10 per cent industrial growth, agricultural sector reforms, streamlining state finances, improving physical infrastructure, social development, water management and harvesting, e-governance, and building Brand North--nationally and internationally.

"All these illustrate the CII's commitment to promote a more vibrant northern region," a press statement issued here said.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of agriculture in Uttaranchal, Shriram said there was substantial scope for developing agriculture and allied sectors in the northern region states.

"It necessitates enhancing agricultural competitiveness through building rural infrastructure, credit availability, contract farming, and crop diversification.

Alongside, CII would retain its focus on policy work with a special thrust on fiscal reforms, enhanced physical connectivity, the privatisation of power distribution, urban reforms, and the development of a citizen-oriented networked society.

Hemant K Arora, chairman of the CII Uttaranchal State Council, urged Tiwari to improve connectivity to the state including the creation of an alternative route to Muradnagar from Roorkee.