Even as the Gujarat unit of Congress is making hue and cry over the translation of MoUs done in Vibrant Gujarat events into ground reality, the Gujarat Government data claims that more than 60 per cent MoUs signed during the first six Vibrant Gujarat summits are on ground. When Gujarat Chief Minister announced figure of Rs25 lakh crore investment pledges through over 21,000 MoUs on the valedictory function of 7th edition of Vibrant Gujarat around a week ago, Gujarat Congress leaders made a mockery by saying it as an eyewash.
Gujarat Congress President Arjun Modhvadia went on to say that fewer than 10 per cent of total investment promises in the past six Vibrant Gujarat events have actually come on ground. Terming the Vibrant Gujarat summits as a waste of money, Modhvadia says that BJP-ruled Gujarat Government is not paying attention in essential public services like education, health, drinking water supply etc.
However, the State Government reports are narrating completely different story. According to Gujarat Government data, nearly 61 per cent MoUs for various projects signed in previous six Vibrant Gujarat summits during the year 2003 to 2013 are either completed or at different stages of completion. Vibrant Gujarat —a flagship biennial event of Gujarat Government to promote business & investment in the State is the brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"In first five Vibrant Gujarat summit— 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011, investment worth Rs40 lakh crore were promised through more than 30,400 MoUs. Officially announcement pertaining to MoUs and investments were not made in the Vibrant Gujarat —2013. However, more than 17,700 MoUs were signed in the sixth Vibrant Gujarat," said a senior official with Gujarat's industry department.
He further said of nearly 48,000 MoUs of previous six 18500 MoUs have actually translated into reality. Of the total MoUs, nearly 15 per cent were dropped for various reasons related to environment and other issues, added the official. The Gujarat Government data 59 percent of total MoUs signed in 2003 are either commissioned or in progress, in the case of 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2011 Vibrant Gujarat events the figure is 59 %, 61%, 68%, 53% and 63 % respectively. Aggregate nearly 61 percent projects have already commissioned or under completion, reveal the official data.