THE INDUSTRIAL POLICY OF SIKKIM
In view of the priorities attached by the government for
speedy industrial development and generation of adequate employment
opportunities through self-employment comprehensive industrial policy for Sikkim
has been formulated which will be effective from 1.04.96 for five years.
POLICY OBJECTIVES
The policy envisages
- Creation of an atmosphere conducive to
industrial growth, taking into consideration the available natural
resources and the local socio-economic environment.
·
Maintenance of the Green State image while promoting
industrial activities.
·
Rehabilitation of sick industries with comprehensive
assistance and guidance from the Department of Industry and privatization of
select State Public Sector Undertakings.
·
Enrichment of the agriculture sector through the
establishment of appropriate linkage between agriculture and agro-based
industries.
- Ensuring balanced regional
development through promotion of khadi, village, cottage, tiny small and
ancillary industries,
- Promotion
of the traditional handloom, handicrafts and artisan sector, by providing
adequate support in the form of common facilities like service centers
cheap raw material, technical inputs, marketing network skill development,
etc.
- Development
of tourism as and industry.
- Development
of Sikkim as a major centre for manufacture & marketing of tea.
- Proactive
participation of all concerned Government agencies to facilitate
industrial growth.
- Rapid
Development of basic infrastructure so that industrial growth is
facilitated.
- Encouraging
self-employment and identification of avenues for the same.
- Human
resource development through appropriate skill and entrepreneurship
development programs behavioral training, etc., at district, sub division
and block levels, to meet the emergent skill requirements of the state
within a stipulated time frame.
- Encouraging
joint ventures between local entrepreneurs and industrialists from outside
the state
- Simplification
of procedures and opening up of Sikkim with a view to attract both
internal and outside investors, with respect to prospects whose long term
viability is carefully evaluated
STRATEGY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
POLICY
The objects set out in the industrial policy are
challenging and require a well - defined strategy for implementations. The
Government proposes to achieve these objectives by pursuing the following
strategies:
- Identification
of thrust area and effective promotion of industries in these areas.
- Announcement
of attractive package and fiscal incentives.
- Special
promotional measures for rural and traditional industry.
- Establishing
industrial estates and growtth centres to facilitate integrated
development of industry.
- Development
of a rehabilitation package for sick industries.
- Revamping
the public sector undertakings.
- Creation
of appropriate organizational arrangements.
- One
stop service.
- Development
of marketing support systems.
- Development
of appropriate training facilities.
CONCLUSION
With the announcement of the new industrial policy,
it is expected that Sikkim will witness a rapid expansion of its industrial
base which will not only increase employment opportunities but also herald
further economic prosperity for the state as a whole.