Madhya Pradesh is in the spotlight for a high rate of growth of gross state domestic product (GSDP) and agriculture. The state government is taking a number of initiatives to attract investments. In an interview to Sanjay Jog on the eve of the Global Investors Meet, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan explains his strategy. Excerpts:
Have the exposé of various scams at the national level and slowdown 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 implementing 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 a global slowdown, investors are queuing up (to invest in Madhya Pradesh). 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 the current five-year plan. Agriculture has grown at 18 per cent, which is higher than the national average.
We were apprehensive about the investors’ response to the Global Investors Meet on Monday and Tuesday. We have made arrangements for 700 delegates but are still receiving phone calls. Delegates from 22 countries have already sent in their confirmation.
Investors are concerned about the present state of education and skill development. What are your government’s initiatives on these fronts?
The government is taking a number of initiatives to promote technical education and skill development. Land is given on lease for 30 years at no cost, with a limit of maximum five acres per industrial training institute in un-serviced block. Subsidy up to 25 per cent of the capital investment is given to establish high-end institutes in industrial growth centres.
As far as skill development is concerned, the government will spend on technological upgradation, especially for the medium scale enterprises.
The 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; 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 of and modernisation 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 the allocation through bidding.
Blocks were awarded to those who had assured highest royalty. Another criteria could be that those supplying power at lower rates 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 the Prime Minister’s post. What is your take?
There are enough capable, efficient and experienced leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party. I am currently engaged in expediting the growth process in Madhya Pradesh. 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 their per capita income. If Madhya Pradesh achieves a high growth rate, it will also help improve India’s growth rate.
Are you worried about the outcome of the assembly elections slated for 2013?
As far as I am concerned, growth, growth and growth is my agenda. Performance will speak for itself.
