...But new policy won?t be bagful of incentives

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday sent out the message that his government would put industrialisation on a fast track, removing all legal and procedural bottlenecks.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday sent out the message that his government would put industrialisation on a fast track, removing all legal and procedural bottlenecks.

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Declaring that Madhya Pradesh would join the the top five developed states in two and half years, Chouhan said in Indore that industrial laws coming down from the British days would be reviewed to make them industry-friendly.

Addressing a state-level symposium attended by about 250 businessmen, the Chief Minister said a Business Project Clearance and Implementation Board headed by Chief Secretary would build bridges with investors and review industrial policy decisions as and when required.

Hinting at overhauling of the previous regime’s policy, the CM said the revised industrial policy would not be a mere incentive package.

“It will keep pace with changes  in a globalised economy and our commitments to WTO,” he told the businessmen who gave their suggestions on updating the MP Industrial Promotion Policy 2004.

Seeking to end procedural hassles. Chouhan said his government would introduce a ‘single table’ concept — industrialists and government could share the same table for exchange of ideas, problems and clearance of projects. Under this scheme, replacing the single window system, businessmen wouldnn’t be required to submit several applications for one project, Chouhan said.

On infrastructure and energy crisis, he said his government would make radical changes in the captive power policy, complete old power projects before time and build 40,000 km of road by the end of the BJP government’s term.

“We will set up new industrial townships to avoid undue pressure on civic infrastructure of existing cities. Besides, revival of sick industries will receive equal attention,” the CM said.

Commerce and Industry Minister Babulal Gaur said that with a revenue-surplus budget, no overdraft and speedy infrastructure development, the state was set for giant leap in industrial sector. He said his ministry would remove shortcomings based on the suggestions of the businessmen.

Citing a Tata institute survey that showed that MP has jumped from fourth to ninth place among the 15 most investor-friendly states surpassing Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, Punjab, Kerela and Rajasthan, Gaur said the his ministry has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court for amendment to the MP Industrial Relations Act that would facilitate growth.

State Finance Minister Raghavji said that the State Government followed a `Chankya neeti’ that stresses strengthening the state exchequer for ensuring development. He said effective recovery of taxes has strengthened the exchequer.

“Does the state have no right to register 20 percent growth in its kitty when you want 25 percent profit growth in your business every year?” the minister reacted to businessmen’s demand on tax cuts.

State Public Works Department Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya insisted on creating a positive atmosphere for industrial development. He said the government has the political will to realise the industrial potential.

Chouhan said no policies would be framed without interacting with people. Industrialists and people will be treated as stakeholders in industrial development, he told reporters later. 

He said industrial policy would remove immbalances in regional development and pay attention to an integrated industrial growth across the state.

Chouhan said policy recommendations would be cleared in the next cabinet meeting, adding the main thrust was employment generation. Responding to a query on a single tax system, he said he would consider the proposal.