CM Neiphiu Rio alongwith NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Kumar Bery during the inauguration of Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Centre at Forest Colony Dimapur on March 13. (Morung Photo)
State Forest Department's complex reopens as Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Centre in Dimapur
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 13
After a prolonged period of disuse, the State Forest department’s commercial shopping complex now christened as the Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Centre (IBHIC), located at Forest Colony, Dimapur was inaugurated by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on March 13.
The event, among others, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang; Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, Suman Kumar Bery; and Mission Director, AIM, NITI Aayog, Dr Chintan Vaishnav.
Addressing the inaugural, CM Rio said it marks a significant milestone towards “economic prosperity and development.”
“The IBH will not only serve as office space for investors but also provide modern amenities and a welcoming working environment,” he maintained.
With the realisation to unlock the State’s potential, that innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment have to be embraced, he opined.
To the end, Rio claimed that the Integrated Business Hub was conceptualised and brought to life as a “dynamic platform designed to facilitate and support investors, startups, and entrepreneurs alike.”
In terms of the services to be provided, Rio said the new IBHIC will aim to streamline administrative procedures, promoting transparency, and providing quick support to investors.
“We will ensure that proper due diligence, observance of best practices and utmost transparency and meritocracy is maintained in the establishment and operation of this new facility,” he added. This will be done by giving priority to startups, entrepreneurs, and investors who are eager to invest in Nagaland.
Also, the state government will encourage collaborations between local talent and investors to promote innovation and seize untapped opportunities, the CM added.
At the same time, he informed that the function of the IBHIC will be carried out through coordination with different government departments providing “essential support services, including legal assistance, information on local business practices, and access to vital resources.”
“Our aim is to ensure ease of doing business and single window clearance for our investor partners and corporate friends,” he elaborated.
Meanwhile, the Deputy CM Zeliang said the IBHIC will aim to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to transform their ideas into impactful ventures that drive sustainable growth and create meaningful opportunities for the people.
The centre will strive to harness the innovative potential of the youths “who have grappled with opportunities and limited avenues for realizing their dreams and aspirations,” he noted.
“The IBHIC will now serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity, empowering them to chart their own path towards success and prosperity,” he added.
Also speaking on the occasion, the NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Bery remarked that India grows only when its states grow.
Regarding Nagaland, he noted the State’s large number of educated youths who have the ability to generate growth through skilling and innovation.
In this regard, scientific temperament is required to journey through the intricacies of today’s changing world, he said.
The programme also witnessed the launch of several services such as the intellectual property facilitation centre, capacity building training for NGOs by CII, Nagaland podcast for startups and entrepreneurs (Hills FM), SIDBI Swavalamban Connect Kendra (SCK) Dimapur, entrepreneurs networking station and education & skill loan facilitation centre.
Constructed through state funding: Rio
Meanwhile, CM Rio claimed that the building project had been constructed by the Forest Department and funded by the State government.
The IBHIC, earlier envisioned to be a shopping cum parking complex, however, had been mired in controversy due to the non-completion of the project, with non-payment of dues to the contractor being a major issue.
It may be noted that Minster for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CL John stated last year the complex had been left in disuse for several years upon its completion.
According to officials from the Forest department, the building has the capacity to accommodate 162 stores.
The Rising People's Party, had also previously revealed through an RTI that the cost of the project amounted to Rs 43 crore with funding from the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), contradicting the CM’s statement.
“This property was built by the Forest Department, it is state funded not from the centre,” Rio, however, asserted on Wednesday.
