Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Madhya Pradesh CM is trying to win on the development plank

ANIL PANDE says that the Madhya Pradesh CM is trying to win on the development plank. But his critics say that the strategy, if not inclusive, can prove to be worthless

To boost foreign investment, the CM organised a 2-day summit for global investors last year, where 102 MOUs were signed. Under these, foreign capital will flow in areas like power, IT, , food processing, education and health. As many as 550 investors from various countries participated in the summit. Although skeptics have expressed reservation on these proposed projects, works on 38 of them has begun.

Experts believe that if all these projects are implemented, Madhya Pradesh will break into the league of 5 most developed states in the next five years. Already, the state is pegged to become the ‘power capital’. Similarly, there are lofty plans to make the state an educational hub. New investments will boost per capita income in real terms and GDP. In fact, experts believe that the state’s revenue receipts will increase by 250%.

The sector that will benefit the most is power generation. Reliance Energy has inked a deal of Rs.50,000 crore. Jayant Mallaiya, Minister for Industries, believes that power generation is the key to development. He explains, “Our primary aim is to make Madhya Pradesh self-dependent in power. In fact, we believe that in the coming years, we will have surplus power with us. It will also boost the state’s economic development.”

Nevertheless, there is another face of development. Compared to power and food processing sectors, investments are meagre in agriculture. Most of the benefits from investments are likely to be wrested by the upper classes. Sunil, a noted social activist, says: “Foreign Capital will lead to destruction and not construction. Fertile land is being sold to industrialists at throwaway prices.” But CM Chauhan thinks otherwise. He assures that the benefits will trickle down to all classes. He adds, “The only way to eradicate poverty and bring prosperity is through investments. The agriculture sector is heavily burdened and it will be illogical to increase it any further. We need revenues. We are for balanced development. We will give equal priority to agriculture and manufacturing.”


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.

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