Uttarakhand Governor Krishan Kant Paul has said that a conducive atmosphere should be developed to maximise investment in the State which has immense possibilities.
Although efforts have been made in this direction, for consistent development in a mountain State like Uttarakhand there is need to lay special emphasis on sectors like medicinal and aromatic plants, food processing, cottage industries, tourism and information technology. There is also need to achieve balance between sustainability and development. "We should utilise our available natural resources without disturbing ecology. The youth population can be utilised proactively in this. To benefit from the considerable employment opportunities, emphasis will have to be laid on skill development of the youth," said Paul. He expressed these views while addressing a seminar 'Uttarakhand Sustainable Economic Development-The Road Ahead' organised by Industries Association of Uttarakhand (IAU) here on Monday.
He said that multiple suggestions of industries, educationist and government representatives will be helpful for state development. Focus should be kept on both the challenges and opportunities for the state’s progress.
"Since gaining Statehood, Uttarakhand has achieved a lot. Our natural resources, dedicated human resource and conducive atmosphere has helped a lot in state development. For industrial development state has already drafted an industrial policy. For new industrial policy we should focus on how to make the state self-reliant in next 10 years. For facilitate conducive industrial atmosphere there is a need for a constructive approach, positive attitude and mutual trust between industries and government which are basic requirements needed to achieve the target. With this state can achieve overall development along with the facilitation of employment generation. For development of the state, all areas should have better road connectivity so that the farmers can transport their agriculture produce to nearby markets," said the governor, while also stressing upon official redressal of the problem being faced by the people due to absence of market in the remote regions.
Amidst fast changing global economic scenario state should make its new industrial policy to push the State’s economy ahead. It should utilise its natural resources and skills for attracting new investments and revival/ growth of existing Industries. The Governor said that the unique social ethos, environment and agro-climatic conditions of economic development. A variety of seeds of flowers and vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices can only be grown in the hills. These seeds are very expensive and have high value. Their cultivation can bring much better earnings to its cultivator.”
He said traditional industries and crafts should be supported and strengthened by provision of inputs to enhance their viability and competitiveness
Uttarakhand demand a different approach from the rest of the country. “It is necessary to identify and exploit the unique endowments of the region in order to foster sustainable