(Pervez Bari): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Madhya Pradesh will play a leading role in bailing the country out of current economic despair. He said that the state once regarded a “BIMARU” state has now achieved 12 per cent growth rate and 18 per cent agriculture growth rate. It has been possible due to strong willpower for development. He said that Madhya Pradesh is going to emerge as the new destination of investment.
Mr. Chouhan was addressing industrial houses and representatives at an interactive programme with industrial houses organised by Federation of Indian Industries and Trade and Investment Facilitation Corporation (TRIFAC) in Mumbai on Thursday. He said that Madhya Pradesh government has given top priority to industrial development. Services will also be delivered within time-limit to investors under Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act.
Referring to unprecedented progress in agriculture sector and investment potential in value addition sector, he said that the state will be on top of the wheat-producing states in the country in the next three years. He said that it will be possible with effective management of state’s water resources. Area under horticulture and production in the state has increased. Now, attention is being paid to value addition. He said that the State Government is committed to ensuring growth in industrial and agriculture sectors with equal pace.
Mr. Chouhan said that power will be supplied for 24 hours in the rural areas of the state from next year. It will help not only big but also small industries to increase production. He said that three new industrial corridors are being developed in Madhya Pradesh including Bhopal-Indore, Bhopal-Bina and Jabalpur-Katni-Singrauli. There is immense investment potential in these corridors.
About education and skill development, Mr. Chouhan said that Skill Development Mission is being implemented in the state for raise requisite skilled manpower. Initial dialogue is being held with investors regarding opening of university for vocational education. He invited investors to participate in Global Investors’ Summit to be held at Indore.
At the programme, Mr. Chouhan also gave replies to the answers of industrialists. In reply to a question, he said that it is being considered to hand over management of block level hospitals to private sector. He said special discussions will be held on small industries at Global Investors’ Summit.
Industries Minister Mr. Kailash Vijayvargiya said that requisite industrial infrastructures have been developed in the state for industrial development and investment. He said that investors’ trust in Madhya Pradesh is increasing due to political stability and willpower for development.
Lauding leadership of the Chief Minister, Federation of Indian Industries Western Region Chairman Mr. Pradeep Bhargava called for a fresh approach to understand new methods of development being adopted in Madhya Pradesh. Hardware is the same, but pace of development has been accelerated as it has been transformed in software due to industry-friendly policy of the Chief Minister. He stressed the need for industrialists to display their capabilities on a large scale in Madhya Pradesh. In other states, lightning strikes and clouds gather but there is no rain. However in Madhya Pradesh it is raining in without lightning and thunder of clouds. This development being achieved in peaceful manner needs to be understood. He said that achievement of 12 percent growth rate is like creation of history. The country needs this very passion and zeal.
Chief Secretary Mr. R. Parasuram said that arrangements have been made to complete all the administrative formalities for investors. Attractive packages are being given to industries. Additional Chief Secretary Mr. P.K. Dash dwelt at length on investment potential and opportunities for investment in specific sectors in the state.
Federation of Indian Industries MP Council Vice-President Mr. Ranjan Bhimani conducted the proceedings. TRIFAC Managing Director Mr. A.K. Bhatt proposed a vote of thanks. (pervezbari@eth.net)