'Bring down power tariff for growth'

Power tariff in the state should be brought down by setting up gas-based plants that reduce the cost of electricity production and cutting taxes, Arvind Lalbhai, former president of Ficci, said.

This will help the state which has a large number of industries, Lalbhai said while speaking at a meeting of the Gujarat state council of the Ficci to discuss the development of Gujarat.

Lalbhai said, "With the Narmada water coming in, there should be a policy which would takes care of the irrigational needs of the farmer. This would benefit the agricultural sector."

"Gujarat has emerged as a leading industrial state of the country and to maintain its position, there are various issues which need to be addressed by the policy makers," said Lalbhai.

He said the excellent roads and ports of Gujarat could be optimally used for the development of the state and giving an advantage to the neighbouring states.

He said the labour has been co-operative in Gujarat in enhansing the productivity of the state.

"The government and the industry needs to analyse things objectively to take advantage of globalisation and the emerging challenge of the textile industry from China."

The meeting was attended among others by the representatives of Reliance Industries, Zydus Cadila, Rohit Group, Atul, Havmor Foods and Paras Pharmaceuticals.