Govt to focus on rural economy

Chief minister Narendra Modi says state will achieve growth target of 10.2 per cent

The chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the state government would concentrate on strengthening and developing rural economy.

Modi was speaking at the 63rd annual general meeting of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

Addressing the gathering, Modi said, "The state government has initiated several schemes for development of rural areas. Gokul Gram Yojana, Joytigram Yojana, Samras Yojana, Gram Mitra, Tirth Gram and Vishwa Gram schemes launched by the government will change the face of villages in Gujarat."

"It is due to the government's policies that agricultural produce worth Rs 21,000 crore was produced in the state this year. It is an increase of Rs 9,000 crore from the previous year. Only one lakh sq mt of farming land was covered under irrigation until the last year. Now the land under irrigation is five lakh sq. mts, this year," he said.

The chief minister said, "The Planning Commission has set a target of 8.2 per cent growth for the country, while the same for Gujarat has been set at 10.2 per cent. Gujarat has a lot of potential and I am sure it will achieve this growth rate and play an important role in the country's development."

Talking about reforms, Modi said, "Reforms are a must for development. Gujarat was the first state to privatise ports. The government is also privatising electricity companies and effecting changes in labour laws as part of the reforms."

Speaking on the occasion, Mandvi MP Tushar Chaudhary said, "Mumbai is India's financial capital, but Surat is certainly not too far behind as the city contributes over Rs 4,000 crore to the government exchequer through various taxes and duties each year."

Chaudhary assured all the help to the textile industry in the state.

Chaudhary said he would raise the issue of Surat Airport at the highest level and ensure that work on the airport is completed at the earliest.

Former Union rural development minister Kashiram Rana said, "The Southern Gujarat Chamber of commerce and Industry has taken initiatives in several fields and played a key role in the betterment of local industries."

"The airport is not just a demand of Surat's industry. It is the dream of the entire city. Work on the airport is in progress at full-swing and we are confident that the airport will become functional in the near future," Rana said.

The former central minister said, "Steps should be taken to set up the apparel park and the gem and jewellery park in Surat at the earliest. These will not only generate more employment opportunities, but also give a major boost to the local industries."

Sunil Kant Munjal, president-elect Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), also spoke.

Dinesh Mandalaywala and Dilip Chasmawala were appointed the president and vice president, respectively of The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 2004-05. The function was also attended by Rajya Sabha member Savita Sharda, water resources minister Narottam Patel and MLAs Bhavna Chapatwala and Dhiru Gajera.