The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) stated that improved infrastructure development in Uttrakhand if gainfully tapped shall generate additional five lakh jobs in next five years in food processing, tourism, herbal medicines, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector. The chambers has come up with an agenda for inclusion in the election manifestos of political parties for the Vidhan Sabha election 2017 with the same being submitted to all the political parties. According to a statement issued by ASSOCHAM, the workforce dependability on industrial sector indicates that state’s industrial sector employability has also witnessed a significant increase from the level of 2001. As per the census 2011, workforce dependent on industry is 3.0 percent of the total workforce in the state which was just 2.3 percent in 2001.
The industrial sector growth performance has been credible in the recent years as industrial performance has recorded highest growth amongst the states and much better than all India average growth. “The state grew at a CAGR of 16.5 percent during 2004-05 to 2014-15 (base price is 2004-05), noted theASSOCHAM pre-election agenda. All the political parties should focus on SMEs promotion based on the locally available raw materials” claimed by the ASSOCHAM secretary general, DS Rawat. The service sector plays an important role in Uttarakhand’s economy but it is amongst one of the few states of India which has a lower share of services sector when compared with the national average of services sector contribution to Indian GDP.