M'rashtra still No. 1 in FDI: CM

Dismissing reports that Maharashtra has slipped in FDI inflow, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said the state remains No 1 in the country with Rs 73,000 crore foreign direct investment (FDI) coming in the past three years.

"We are the No 1 in the country as we have attracted the maximum FDI of Rs 73,000 crore," he said.

Deshmukh's assertion came in the wake of reports that the state had slipped to fourth or fifth position in attracting FDI. As far as the total FDI was concerned, Maharashtra continued to get the highest FDI among states but on the basis of RBI figures, which only list FDI flow through automatic route, the state has slipped to third or fourth position, he said.

The state has attracted 79 mega projects, reaffirming the dominant position in industrial scenario, Deshmukh said.

On the state government's views on SEZs, Deshmukh said the basic objective of setting up SEZs is to increase India's foreign exchange and to provide jobs to locals. Goods made in SEZ will directly be exported, he added. Employment generation in a big way will be possible due to SEZs, he said.

"People working there will get good salaries. The money these people earn will again come to domestic market," he added.

SEZs will help resolve issue of unemployment by providing jobs to skilled and technical people, Deshmukh said.

"The government cannot provide jobs to all such youth, so if there is so much of potential, why not tap it," he asked.

"We are not going to force any farmer to give land for SEZ. He should get the best market price, a good package and a life-long means of livelihood," he added.