Not surprisingly the Arunachal Pradesh has found itself in the bottom three of ‘ease of doing business’ ranking released on Tuesday by World Bank and the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP). The state scored zero in the reform evidence score and in the feedback score. This ranking should be a wakeup call for the state. In recent year under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the government of Arunachal announced series of measures to make Arunachal an attractive destination for the business communities. However, going by the latest ranking it seems these economic reform measures have not yielded desire results.
Arunachal is a difficult place for any potential investors. First of all state lacks proper road and air connectivity. Secondly the redtapism is a serious hurdle. The babus of state are known to be highly corrupt. Lastly the local people too have been found to be hostile towards the outsiders. Considering all these factors, it will be a herculean task to sell Arunachal as a business destination. While embarking the economic reforms to improve the ease of doing business, the state government should also concentrate in improving law and order scenario. Strong action should be initiated against those who create hostile atmosphere. Unless a business friendly atmosphere is created, no companies will be willing to invest. It is a matter of embarrassment for Arunachalees that state has been ranked in the bottom three in the ‘ease of doing business’ ranking which has been prepared by the prestigious institution World Bank along with department of industrial policy and promotion. All of us need to introspect. State govt alone will not be able to improve the ranking until people extends support.