Should Bihar Try for an "Information Technology Investment Region" as Approved by CCEA

Today the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) approved the plan for "Investment Technology Investment Region". Though on the face of it Bihar does not appear a suitable candidate for the same, but if the state government shows vision and a missionary dedication state can change its destiny for ever by latching on to Mega Industrial Plans like the one above and the on announced on "PCPIR". If Bihar were to go for these then central entities and CPSU's will have to play a major role.

Though it may appear inconceivable at the moment but the same is not unthinkable with an appropriate support from the central government. Even if the state is not in position for such a plan on its own, it should think of same in association with Jharkhand or UP across the adjoining border region of the participating state. If state can make a common cause with UP then this region could be very much a reality. Heartland has got to make a common cause to put pressure on central government in order to develop the Gangetic Belt.

D N Mishra

POLICY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT REGIONS
	13:7 IST

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval to the proposal to create Information Technology Investment Regions (ITIRs). These ITIRs would be endowed with excellent infrastructure and supported through investor-friendly policies. ITIRs were conceptualized keeping in view the need to boost the growth of both IT/ITES and Electronic Hardware Manufacturing (EHM) Units.

These regions would become major magnets for investment creating employment opportunities and economic growth in the area. Simultaneously, it will reduce the pressure on existing urban centers by enabling growth of new townships and dispersal of industry.

The regions would be a combination of IT/ITES and Electronics Hardware Manufacturing Units; Public uitilities, residential area, social infrastructure and administrative services. Such regions could include new integrated townships, SEZs, industrial parks etc. In the ITIR, there would be a clear delineation between the IT/ITES areas and Electronic Hardware Manufacturing areas. The ITIRs would generate direct and indirect employment during the construction and operational phases.

Each ITIR is expected to be a specificlly notified investment region with minimum area of 40 sq.kms. planned for IT/ITES and EHM Units. The minimum processing area will be 40% of the total area of the ITIR. The ITIRs will be developed in a phased manner.

The State Government would ensure that all physical infrastructure and utilities within its jurisdiction (power, water, roads, transportation, sewerage and effluent treatment facilities) are provided. The Central Government will facilitate development of National Highways, Airport and Rail links to the ITIRs.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) route is advocated for the development of ITIRs. State Government will select the developers/co-developers through a transparent process.

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RCJ/HS/LV