The Hindu : Front Page : Promote tourism in Pondy, says study

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

Promote tourism in Pondy, says study

Rajesh Nair

Recommends more private participation in key sectors of economy

PONDICHERRY: A study by a private agency for CII recommends more private participation in the key sectors of economy and wants the administration to come out with a long-term plan to attract investment.

The tourism sector, which plays a major role in the economic activity of the territory, has to be promoted. The government should restrict its role to brand promotion, setting policy guidelines and positioning the territory. Asset creation should be outsourced to private players, says `Economic Agenda for Pondicherry.'

"Make the territory a tourism hotspot by promoting recreational activities. An aggressive campaign should be undertaken to market the historic and artistic spots. The potential of ECR should be explored more." A special initiative is required to promote health tourism, says the study.

Infrastructure

On infrastructure, the industry wanted the government to revamp industrial estates and improve basic facilities such as sewage and effluent disposal.

"The State should go beyond the now passé investment sops to attract investors. There is an urgent need to ramp up power, sanitation and water supply system."

The District Industries Centre should be made responsible for all decisions on small scale industries. It should be given powers to provide essential services and support under a single roof during pre and post-investment stage. The study wants an apex body set up with representatives from government and local industry to ensure timely implementation of key policy initiatives. Adequate powers should be vested with the body to interact with government organisations and to expose them to best practices outside the State. It also wants slab-based incentive scheme to attract `big ticket' investors. Slabs could be based on sector, number of jobs, capital and location.

The study wants the government to explore the feasibility of forming `Pondicherry Development Authority' along the lines of Delhi Development Authority to address the growing urban needs.

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