Chhattisgarh to become industrial hub of India with the new industrial policy: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur December 13, 2024- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the transformative initiatives undertaken by his government, which are poised to play a crucial role in driving India’s overall growth. He emphasized that the state’s new industrial policy is a key step towards establishing Chhattisgarh as an industrial hub, with a focus on fostering regional economic development, creating jobs, and modernizing infrastructure. The policy is particularly aimed at accelerating growth in tribal and backward areas, ensuring that the benefits of development are widely distributed and contribute to the nation’s broader economic progress.

Underlining the key feature of the new policy, the chief minister said that the industrial policy emphasis on employment generation, particularly in the tribal regions, with a focus on creating 5 lakh new jobs over the next five years. The inclusion of tourism in the industrial policy will not only provide a significant income boost to people residing in these areas but will also create numerous job opportunities, the chief minister said while speaking at the 10th Edition of the India Economic Conclave held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Elaborating further, he informed that the new industrial policy also includes significant rehabilitation incentives aimed at industries that employ surrendered Naxals, offering up to 40% reimbursement of their net salary, with a subsidy cap of Rs. 5 lakh per annum for five years. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote development in Bastar, where small, medium, and micro industries stand to benefit from a range of support measures. These include capital investment grants of up to 45% on investments between Rs. 45 lakh and Rs. 8 crore, as well as SGST reimbursement of up to 150% for the next decade, creating a conducive environment for local economic growth and social integration.

Chhattisgarh Secretary Industry department Rajat Kumar and Director Industries Prabhat Mallik gave presentations on Naya Raipur and New industrial policy at the conclave.

Investment Incentives and MSME Support

The state government is also offering a wide range of incentives to encourage investments. These include exemptions on stamp duty and electricity duty, alongside 10 other types of investment incentives. A new 118-acre industrial area is being established for ancillary units of the Nagarnar Steel Plant in Bastar, designed to support micro, small, and medium industries. The introduction of Single Window System 2.0 will further streamline the clearance process for investors by consolidating approvals from various departments in one place. The policy prioritizes green and technology-based industries and promotes the value addition of Chhattisgarh’s rich mineral resources.

Development of Naya Raipur: The Next IT and Infrastructure Hub

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also highlighted the government’s renewed commitment to developing Naya Raipur as a key modern hub. Naya Raipur, spread across 237 square kilometers, is set to become an IT, education, and health hub. The government is providing plug-and-play infrastructure at concessional rates to IT and related firms, with plans to create over 3,500 jobs in the IT sector. The trial run of the Naya Raipur Atal Nagar railway line has been completed, with an investment of Rs. 150 crore for the construction of a CBD railway station and related infrastructure.

In addition to expanding transportation networks, including three new railway stations, the government is also focused on environmental sustainability, planting 10,000 peepal trees as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Peepal for People” campaign. The educational and healthcare infrastructure is being upgraded with Rs. 60 crore allocated for schools and plans to establish a health hub under the Pradhan Mantri Medi City Yojana.

Taking the opportunity to underscore the government’s efforts in combating Naxalism, the Chief Minister said that this year, 213 Naxals have been killed, and nearly 1,500 have either surrendered or been arrested. He reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating Naxalism from Chhattisgarh within the next two years. The establishment of 34 new security camps in Bastar and development projects under the Niyyad Nella Nar Yojana are key components of the state’s security strategy, he added.

Digital Governance and Transparency

In a bid to ensure transparency and curb corruption, the government has implemented several digital governance initiatives. Investments of Rs. 266 crore have been made in IT tools to bring about greater accountability in administration. The Atal Monitoring App allows real-time tracking of government schemes, while the Swagatham Portal facilitates easy meetings with officials. The Sugam App is enabling citizens to register for services from home, reducing their need to visit government offices.

Infrastructure Development at the Forefront

Infrastructure development remains a top priority for the state government. Significant investments are being made in road construction, with Rs. 31,000 crore worth of projects approved by the central government. Work on key projects such as the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor and various railway initiatives are progressing rapidly. Airports in Raipur, Bilaspur, and Jagdalpur are being expanded to enhance air connectivity, and the central government has approved international flights from Raipur.

Focus on Water Supply and Rural Development

Chief Minister Sai also provided an update on the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide clean drinking water to every household in the state. With more than 79% of the work completed, the mission has already delivered tap water connections to 40 lakh households. The Multi-Village Scheme is addressing water supply issues in areas with groundwater challenges, benefiting remote villages such as Gahandar and Pachrahi, where the Nal Jal Yojana is now providing clean drinking water to residents.

CM’s Vision for a Developed Chhattisgarh

The Chief Minister concluded by emphasizing that the development of Chhattisgarh is vital for the progress of India as a whole. The state is prioritizing infrastructure development, digital governance, and investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, education, and healthcare. With a clear focus on sustainable growth, the government is determined to create a developed Chhattisgarh that contributes significantly to India’s economic future.