Chouhan pitches it to investors, promises a friendly regime

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today assured global and domestic investors of a friendly set-up, saying the state has already received investment proposals worth about Rs 10,000 crore online and more are in the offing.
Promising modern infrastructure and skilled manpower in the state, Chouhan said the state has no dearth of land with 24x7 power supply and natural resources.
"We have clocked double-digit growth rate for the past seven years. The state government will do whatever is required to provide a conducive environment for industries," he added.
He said about Rs 10,000 crore worth of online investment proposals have come in sectors ranging from food processing, textiles, cement, pharmaceuticals and hospitals.

The chief minister acknowledged that land acquisition is a major problem for investors, saying the state has created a land bank for industries.
"Industrialists asked why to invest in Madhya Pradesh? Because it is an investor-friendly state. Investors are our partners in growth. All facilities for investments are here. We will remove all hurdles for investors," he said at the inaugural session of the Global Investor Summit (GIS) here.

"We have land banks. Land acquisition is a major problem for investors. We have a 1.25 lakh acres of land bank and the allotment is online. We have 24x7 power at affordable rates and skilled manpower," he said, adding that instead of a single window clearance system, "we have adopted an open door system to attract investors".

He had an interesting take on GIS -- G means goodwill, growth and good governance, I stands for inclusive and investor friendly and S is simple, sustainable and secure investment.
"GIS means growth of investment with sustainability," he added, for good measure.
Recalling the first summit, he said there was not much investor participation at that point, but this time "we have to close the online registration as many wanted to attend this meet".
The chief minister claimed that the state has framed sector-specific policies that are progressive.
"We do not work alone or in isolation, but seek all suggestions and views," he added.

The state ranks among the top five last year in the ease of doing business ranking by the central government and the World Bank.