Gwalior's dream export project awaits burial

Export facilitation centre going to seed for want of vision

The export facilitation centre at the Gwalior Trade Fair (GTF) ground is a glaring example of how inefficiency and ignorance can spell doom for a dream project.

The centre was set up more than a year ago, but in this considerable period, the authorities responsible for the project have not been able to chalk out any effective programmes utilising the centre's multi-crore properties.

The centre was constructed at the behest of late Madhavrao Scindia, who took the initiative. It was completed in September-October last year, only after surmounting many hurdles.

The Indian Trade Promotion Organisation came forward to assist local manufacturers to spread their wings in exports by sanctioning Rs 175 lakh for the centre against an estimated cost of Rs 300 lakh. The rest of the cost was to be borne by either the Madhya Pradesh state government or the trade fair authority.

Now, the building is standing idle and forlorn. The export facilitation centre's sprawling building is built over a four-acre plot. It has a centrally air-conditioned 45,000 sq ft hall.

At the beginning, the then GTF chairman, V K Gangwal, had said there would be year-round activities at the centre. Present GTF Authority chairman, Raj Chaddha, too, made several announcements promising round-the-year activities and utilisation of the facilitation centre. But all these promises have proved to be hollow so far.

Satish Ajmera, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CII), told newspersons that maintenance of such a huge building, if it is not used properly, would put heavy burden on the exchequer.

He said the chamber is ready to take over the responsibility of the centre's maintenance and organise activities to promote exports by inviting different agencies.

Chaddha, however, said he has not received any proposal from the CII. "If such a proposal comes, I will definitely look into it," he said.

Chadda further said as regards the building work, so far 95 per cent has been completed and the remaining things will be completed within a month's time. He also said the authority has also invested Rs 3 crore from its own sources.