Question 57 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Current
Affairs

Question

Recently, India's first 'National Investment and Manufacturing Zone' was proposed to be set up in

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Andhra Pradesh

Strategy: This is a direct factual recall question related to government initiatives or recent developments. The key is to remember the specific location proposed for India's first National Investment and Manufacturing Zone.

Key Info: A National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) is an instrument of the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), 2011, which aims to promote manufacturing in the country. The policy envisions NIMZs as large integrated industrial townships with world-class infrastructure, connectivity, and business-friendly policies to attract domestic and foreign investment.

*   **Purpose:** To promote high-tech and value-added manufacturing activities, create employment, and boost the 'Make in India' initiative.
*   **Features:** Each NIMZ is conceptualized as a self-governing township, covering at least 5000 hectares (50 sq km), though the first proposed one in Andhra Pradesh involved an initial assurance of 10 sq km.
*   **First Proposed NIMZ:** India's first NIMZ was proposed to be set up in **Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh**. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) — formerly DIPP — under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the nodal agency for the NMP and NIMZs.
*   **Difference from SEZs:** NIMZs are distinct from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as they are based on a 'develop-in-partnership' model with the state governments, focusing on manufacturing with a broader range of fiscal and policy incentives, and are not specific to exports only.

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Option B: Gujarat

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Option C: Maharashtra

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Option D: Uttar Pradesh