 "'Tamil Nadu will be one of the top three investment destinations in Asia after Global Investors Meet'")
In his address to the Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly today, the governor said, according to the foreign direct investment statistics published by the department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Tamil Nadu was ranked third among the Indian states in terms of foreign investment inflows.
“I am confident the proposed Global Investors Meet (GIM) in May 2015 in Chennai will ensure the emergence of Tamil Nadu as one of the top three preferred investment destinations in Asia and the best state in the country,” he said. Tamil Nadu had been able to attract Rs 44,402 crore worth foreign direct investment (FDI) during the May 2011-September 2014, he said.
He said with several industry policies and other initiatives, including the New Industrial Policy and sector-specific policies for biotechnology and automobile and auto components in the state during 2011-14, the state had been able to attract a total incremental investment of Rs 258,382 crore, positioning it at second place in the country.
Altogether, 3,358-Mw has been added to the power generation capacity in the state in the last four years, which has provided a huge relief to the state, he said. The completion of thermal power projects at Mettur, north Chennai and Vallur, led to an additional power generation of 2,500-Mw.
The Unit III of TNEB-NTPC 500-Mw JV project at Vallur, which is under trial run, is expected to commence commercial operation shortly. Works on Ennore expansion project for 660-Mw and Ennore special economic zone project-two units of 660-Mw each also commenced.
Strengthening the transmission network with a financial assistance of Rs 3,572 crore from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica) was one of the major steps taken by this government to improve the quality of power supply, the governor stated.
Food production improves
The state government has achieved the highest-ever foodgrain production of 11 million metric tonne during 2013-2014. In recognition of the record production of 614,000 metric tonne pulses during 2013-2014, the state has been selected for the Krishi Karman award by the Centre. Under the flagship scheme of ‘Free Distribution of Milch Cows and Sheep/Goats’, so far 47,735 milch cows and 21.91 lakh sheep/goats have been distributed to the poor in rural areas. The state government has facilitated self help groups in the state avail Rs 18,302 crore worth bank credit during the last four years.
He urged the Centre to provide early clearance for the extension of the Chennai metro rail project from Washermenpet to Thiruvotriyur. He also expressed hope the state’s request for including the 12 municipal corporations under the Centre’s ‘smart cities’ initiative would soon get acceptance.
Governor appreciates Jayalalithaa
The governor, in his 40-minute speech, appreciated former chief minister J Jayalalithaa for her pursuit to secure the rights of the state in various inter-state river water disputes, which drew protest from the Opposition.
Rosaiah, in his speech, said, "I must place on record my heartfelt appreciation to J Jayalalithaa for her relentless pursuit and untiring efforts to secure the legitimate rights of the state in various inter-state river water disputes. It is only because of her perseverance and courage the State could secure a historic verdict from the Supreme Court declaring the Mullaiperiyar dam as hydrologically, structurally and seismically safe and thereby enabling the state of Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet."
Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo and former chief minister M Karunanidhi raised his concerns on the governor appreciating Jayalalithaa, who was convicted in a disproportionate assets case and had been sentenced for four years imprisonment.