Taking steps to accelerate industrial growth in Raj: Gehlot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today said his government was taking several measures to accelerate industrial growth in the state and attract investment.
"Steps are being taken to accelerate industrial growth and for attracting investment. Rajasthan will have its biggest ever investment post independence with setting up of refinery in Barmer," he said, addressing a function on Independence day.
The Chief Minister said a large number of people in the state had benefited through flagship schemes and programmes introduced by his government.
"...Rajasthan is progressing as a result of visionary works of the state government. 16 flagship programmes have been introduced which have delivered encouraging results and benefited a large number of people," Gehlot said.

He said there was a decline in poverty in the last 10 years and MGNREGA had played key role in bringing down the number of poor in recent years.
"UPA government empowered people with several rights, including Right to Information, Right to Education and now, an another important step was taken for food security. Poverty declined in the last 10 years. MGNREGA provided job security in rural areas and increased purchasing power," he said after unfurling the tricolour.

The Chief Minister called upon public representatives, social workers and activists to ensure that benefit of government schemes reached the intended beneficiaries.

Gehlot gave away President's Police Medal to three police officers for distinguished services.
Some government employees and civilians were also honoured at the function, which concluded with cultural performance by colourfully dressed folk artists and students.