Government of Tripura has been inaugurating one after the another industrial growth centre or industrial estate or industrial area throughout the state for last several decades. It also declared encouraging schemes and projects for entrepreneurs, but could not get achievement in keeping the consolidated production units in any particular project site due to unscientific planning.
Dukli industrial area was set up in the year 1984 by the department of industries, Government of Tripura at the southern outskirts of Agartala near Kathaltali bazaar on the way to Ranirkhamar. Thirty-five production units were established there by the local businessmen. The late Nripen Chakraborty was the then Chief Minister of the state. It was much propagated as one of the successes of the state government. Ironically, 31 out of 35 units have already shut down doors of factory for good, leaving this almost dead project behind the veil of mystery.
It'sclear that the project was nothing but political gimmick. Government started it without constructing necessary infrastructure at the site. Now after 23 years the department of industries is realising the necessity of extending infrastructural facilities like roads, drinking water, electricity etc. Director of industries, Government of Tripura V. George Jenner indicated that due to unfulfilment of basic conditions, maximum entrepreneurs have closed down units on their own. He also holds the lack of experience and improper financial support to the entrepreneurs responsible for the failure of the project.
In an exclusive interview with this scribe at his office, Shri Jenner said that his department is now taking initiative to provide all infrastructural facilities to Dukli industrial area so that new generation entrepreneurs get encouragement to set up production units using the declared schemes of the government in favour. ?PC
