Whether you invest or not, but do visit Madhya Pradesh. This is the call made by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan while addressing the concluding programme of the Non-Resident Indians' convention at Mahatma Mandir at Gandhi Nagar in Gujarat on Friday. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh conducted the programme. Chief Ministers of nine States including Madhya Pradesh attended the convention.
Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh's industrial policy was investor-friendly and claimed that power was available 24X7 in the State. This miracle was done first by Gujarat. Now, electricity was available in the State's villages as well. Madhya Pradesh was an island of peace where there was no discrimination between north, south, east and west. Whoever came, Madhya Pradesh embraced all. Everyone was near and dear to the State, he added. Once Madhya Pradesh was termed as notorious for dactoits, but now dacoits were either dead or in jail. Chouhan said that industrial peace prevailed in Madhya Pradesh due to better law and order. Slogans like Chahe Jo Majboori Ho, Maang Hamari Poori Ho and Hamse Jo Takrayega, Choor Choor Ho Jayega are not heard in Madhya Pradesh.
Instead of single-window, the State Government has implemented single-door policy. The Chief Minister said that he himself meets investors directly every Monday where officers of concerning departments are also present. Decisions on issued pertaining to investors are taken immediately. The Chief Minister said that a new cell would be constituted for NRIs in Madhya Pradesh. A separate officer would be appointed for every project. Chouhan said that the Prime Minister had given slogan of “Make in India”. To ensure its success, the Chief Minister has given slogan “Make in Madhya Pradesh” inviting investors to Madhya Pradesh and assuring them of every possible facility.
Chouhan said earlier Madhya Pradesh was dubbed as a sick State. When he became Chief Minister nine years ago, power was supplied to villages for only three hours. Roads were non-existent. Now, Madhya Pradesh's growth rate is 11.08, which is the highest in the country. The State is maintaining growth rate in double digit continuously for last 10 years.
Earlier, only 7.5 lakh hectare area was under irrigation, which has been increased to 27.5 lakh hectares now. He said that with 24.99 per cent agriculture growth rate, Madhya Pradesh is pioneer in both India and abroad. last year, Madhya Pradesh was ahead of Haryana in wheat production. This year, it will be ahead of even Punjab. He said that efforts are being made for progress in every sector in the state. Though growth rate of the State is good, even then the State Government is not satisfied with it. Chouhan referred specially to last Global Investors Summit to motivate industrialists. The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is a very good State where investors will achieve desired success.
Chouhan also made special mention of tourist attractions in the State in his address. He said that the State boasts of three World Heritage monuments. Out of 12 Jyotirlingas in the country, two are in Madhya Pradesh at Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar. Simhastha is going to be held next year after 12 years. Apart from Shahi Snan with Sanatan traditions during this Mahakumbh at Ujjain, this Simhastha will also give messages of humanity, environmental improvement, save girls, basic unity and morality in all religions to the world. Eminent philosophers will hold discussions on these subjects during Simhastha. The Chief Minister also invited participants of NRI convention to Simhastha. Principal Secretary SK Mishra accompanied the Chief Minister to Gandhi Nagar (Gujarat).