ASIDE:

Assurance to states for creating infrastructure for the development and growth of Exports.

Exports have come to be regarded as an engine of economic growth in the wake of liberalization and structural reforms in the economy. A sustained growth in exports is, however, not possible in the absence of proper and adequate infrastructure as adequate and reliable infrastructure is essential to facilitate unhindered production, cut down the cost of production and make our exports internationally competitive.

While the responsibility for promotion of exports and creating the necessary specialized infrastructure has largely been undertaken by the Central Government so far, it is increasingly felt that the States have to play an equally important role in this endeavor.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The role of the State Governments is critical from the point of view of boosting production of exportable surplus, providing the infrastructural facilities such as land, power, water roads, connectivity, pollution control measures and a conducive regulatory environment for production of goods and services. It is, therefore, felt that coordinated efforts by the Central Government in cooperation with the State Governments are necessary for development of infrastructure for exports promotion.

Objective:

The objective of the scheme is to involve the states in the export effort by providing assistance to the State Governments for crating appropriate infrastructure for the development and growth of exports.

States do not perceive direct gains from the growth in exports from the State. Moreover, the States do not often have adequate resources to participate in funding of infrastructure for exports. The proposed scheme, therefore, intends to establish a mechanism for seeking the involvement of the State Governments in such efforts through assistance linked to export performance.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Scheme:

The Scheme shall provide an outlay for development of export infrastructure which will be distributed to the States according to a pre­defined criteria. The existing EPIP, EPZ and GIB schemes shall be merged with the new scheme. The scheme for Export Development Fund (EDF) for the North East and Sikkim (implemented since 2000-2001) shall also stand merged with the new- scheme.

After the merger of the schemes in respect of EPIP, EPZ, CIB and EDF for NER and Sikkim with the new scheme, the ongoing projects under the schemes shall be funded by the States from the resources provided under the new scheme.

The activities aimed at development of infrastructure for exports can be funded from the scheme provided such activities have an overwhelming export content and their linkage with exports is fully established.