Madhya Pradesh is in the spot light for high GSDP and agricultural growth rate. The state government is taking number of initiatives to attract investments. In an interview with Sanjay Jog, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on the eve of Global Investors Meet explains his strategy.
Have the expose of various scams at the national level and slow down hampered investment flow into Madhya Pradesh?
I am overwhelmed by inquiries by investors both domestic and foreign to pursue their investment plans in Madhya Pradesh. The government is committed to implement policies which focus on transparency, clarity and fast track decision making. There is no room for corruption and irregularities. The government is resolved to scale a new high.
Despite global slowdown investors are queuing up. This is because of our performance. The state has a cumulative growth rate of 11.98 per cent during 2011-12. The government is resolved to clock a growth rate of 12 per cent during current five year plan. The agriculture has grown at 18 per cent which is higher than the national average and also growth by other states.
We were apprehensive about the investors’ response for the Global Investors Meet on Monday and Tuesday. We have made arrangement for 700 delegates but still we are receiving phone calls. Delegates from 22 countries have already sent in their confirmation.
However, investors are concerned over present state of education and skill development. What are your government’s initiatives?
The government is taking a number of initiatives to promote technical education and skill development . Land is given on lease for 30 years on no cost with a limit of maximum five acre per industrial training institute (ITI) in un serviced block. Investment subsidy up to 25 per cent of capital investment is given for establishment of high end it is in industrial growth centres.
As far as skilled development is concerned, the government will spend on technological upgradation especially for the medium scale enterprises.
Industry wants government to do more on value addition of agriculture products. What is your response?
It is true that the state has clocked 18 per cent growth in agriculture. This is not an end but we have to increase it further and while doing so we will focus on value addition. The government will promote agri business and food processing. The government will give land subsidy of 75 per cent on the purchase of industrial plots and / or undeveloped land , additional capital subsidy of 15 per cent up to $50,000 for setting up, technological up gradation and modernization of food processing units. Fruits and vegetables purchased in the market yard are exempted from mandi fee for the processing industries for three years.
What steps have been taken by your government in awarding coal blocks?
Madhya Pradesh were allocated six blocks by the Centre. My government took a decision to make their allocation through bidding. Coal blocks were awarded to those who had assured highest royalty. Another criteria could be those supplying power at lower tariff to the state will be allocated coal blocks. Transparency has been the focal point. This can be adopted nationally too.
You have emerged as a competitor to Narendra Modi as contender for Prime Minister’s post. What is your take?
There are enough capable, efficient and experienced leaders in BJP. I am currently engaged in expediting the growth process in the state. Myself, ministers and bureaucrats are striving to achieve this goal. I will be happy if my efforts will help increase the standard of living of people of the state and also improve per capita income. If Madhya Pradesh achieves high growth rate it will also help India’s growth rate to improve.
However, your critics especially opposition disagrees with you as they are gearing up to take on your government ahead of assembly elections slated for 2013. Are you worried?
As far as I am concerned growth, growth and growth is my agenda. Performance will speak for itself.
