New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the fifth meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) organised in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Island Development Agency reviewed the progress made towards the programme “Holistic development of islands”.
Rajnath Singh called upon all concerned departments to expedite implementation of the ongoing projects which were planned to create additional jobs for the islanders and improve inter-island connectivity. He directed that adequate care should be taken for maintaining a clean, green and healthy environment on the islands.
"Bids for private sector participation in three tourism-based projects have already been invited by the Andaman & Nicobar administration. They include eco-tourism projects in Smith Island, Long Island and tent city project in Aves Island. Bids will be invited shortly for one more project in Neil Island of Andaman & Nicobar," said the home ministry.
"Three projects in Lakshadweep have been identified for issue of bids. They include tourism projects in the islands of Kadmat, Minicoy and Suheli Cheriyakara. Environmental Clearance (EC), Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Clearance and all other clearances required for these projects are being obtained upfront, on priority, to attract more number of reputed bidders," added the ministry notification.
The Ministry of Commerce has issued a notification extending tax incentives for investments made in manufacturing and service sector in islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
The tax incentives are- Central Capital Investment Incentive for Access to Credit (CCIIAC), Central Interest Incentive (CII), Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (CCII), Goods and Services Tax (GST) Reimbursement, Income Tax (IT) Reimbursement, Transport Incentive (TI); and Employment incentive (EI).
"Expeditious implementation of the above mentioned projects will provide high economic return to the private sector, satisfactory jobs and additional income to the islanders and enhanced revenue to the Government - a win-win situation for all. Above all, stability of the island eco-system will be maintained with effective execution of well-planned environmental safeguards," the notification said.
A detailed presentation was made by the CEO of NITI Aayog highlighting the current status of planned projects being implemented for islanders’ benefits. Key infrastructure projects such as operationalization of Diglipur Airport for civilian aircrafts and construction of a new airport in Minicoy Island have been accorded high priority by the government.
"Four islands (Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Hutbay and Long) in Andaman & Nicobar and three islands (Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy) in Lakshadweep have been identified for seaplane operation. CRZ clearance has been accorded for ‘Middle Strait Bridge’ on Andaman Trunk Road. All these measures will improve inter-island connectivity significantly," said the notification.
In order to sustainably utilize the potential of Tuna Fish, ten deep-sea modern fishing vessels are being procured by Lakshadweep administration from Cochin Shipyard Limited. Besides, export of sea food and coconut products is being encouraged to generate more employment opportunities in the islands.
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