Project implementation firm on track, says Modi

Chief minister Narendra Modi on Monday said out of the Rs 66,000 crore worth projects proposed during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit held in September-October last, projects worth Rs 45,000 crore are at different stages of implementation.

"I really do not know why such a campaign (that many of the projects are not materialising) to malign Gujarat is happening. I think a nation-wide survey should be carried out on the ratio of memorandums of understanding being signed to the actual implementation and this should be compared with the percentage of implementation in Gujarat," he said.

Modi said, "People keep writing that it has been two years and there is no investment. At least get your facts right. It is still not a full year since the Global Investors' Summit was held," said Modi while speaking as the chief guest at the 55th annual general meeting of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in Ahmedabad.

Stating that since the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is also an economist, he was hopeful that the recommendations made by the Gujarat government will be considered when the budget is presented in July.

"I am meeting the prime minister in the next one or two days and the two major suggestions will be on increasing the small-scale industry investment limit from the existing Rs one crore to Rs five crore and announcing a package for cottage and rural industries that will be financed through a venture capital fund," said Modi.

Advocating the need to adopt an integrated approach towards development, Modi said in the US, research done by university students is input material for policy framing, which unfortunately, is not the case in India.

"Why are we not looking at our requirements ten years from now? If this happens, there is no reason why we cannot be one of the most developed countries," he said.

Modi said the contribution of the trade and commerce community was tremendous.

Referring to statements made by Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry office bearers, where they listed down several pending demands with the state government, Modi said, "It is with your efforts that the state grows. I assure you that the state government will work with the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry in resolving all pending issues."

Referring to the gas grid that the Gujarat government is setting up in the state, the chief minister said this will revolutionise the industry in the state.

Making a reference to the ceramic industry of Morbi, Modi said once the ceramic units of Morbi get gas as fuel it can compete with the Chinese ceramic industry.