Industrialists, experts praise Gujarat but still feel that Maharashtra is the state for investments
Industrialists, experts praise Gujarat but still feel that Maharashtra is the state for investments
GUJARAT is being pegged as the next Maharashtra, as the state raked in a record $50 billion worth investment in the first hour of 'Vibrant Gujarat' summit.
But experts and industrialists are of an opinion that despite the rush of investments, Gujarat will always be only second to Maharashtra. The Gujarat government has reportedly signed about 7,900 MoUs.
During the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Gujarat government claimed it is not in competition with any other state
According to Dr Vaijayanti Pandit, director of FICCI's western region, the figures that are being showed at the 'Vibrant Gujarat' summit, does not matter.
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"In the last fiscal year, Maharashtra had investments to the tune of Rs 86,000 crore whereas Gujarat, got only Rs 63,000 crore.
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These are RBI figures. At the end of the day, the figures that matter are the government recognised figures," she said. "People have started migrating but still Mumbai is the hub, as it has far more to offer than Gujarat.
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Gujarat is developing and the industrial climate there is favourable for investment. There is no doubt that Narendra Modi is a powerful leader."
Venugopal Dhoot, chairperson of Videocon, also seconded Pandit. He said, "Gujarat is growing. Aurangabad is similar to Baroda or any other city of Gujarat.
Mumbai is the best place for business. Maharashtra will always remain number one and Gujarat would be number two."
A senior economist said, "These figures are only memorandums of understanding that have been signed.
The actual amount would come in only once the investment starts. Many companies sign agreements, but not all turn up.
These figures do not reveal everything." Gujarat government claimed that it is not in competition with any other state. "There were nearly 18 states that had their stalls and many even lured the investors.
The investors have even agreed to go to Chhattisgarh and invest there," said Saurabh Patel, minister with the state and also the organiser of the 'Vibrant Gujarat' summit.
Gujarat government has been boasting that Ahmedabad would soon be the next financial capital of the country. "If 21st century is for India then our Gujarat will lead the way.
We are transparent, the CM has seen to it that red tapism does not exist and to an extent we have got rid of it.
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Those industrialists who want to invest in our state do not even have to go to the government office. We do not have electricity shortage and land is easily available.
We see to it that the investors do not face any problem. Many investors come and thank us," said Patel.
Ek Cutting!
Gujarat was a part of Bombay presidency. But in 1960, there was a demand for a different state on the basis of language differences. On May 1, 1960 Gujarat and Maharashtra were carved out. Both the states celebrated their golden jubilee anniversary last year.
Gifts Galore
During the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Summit, which ended on Thursday, Chief Minister Narendra Modi received more than 50,000 presents. Delegates from 65 countries, chairpersons of 107 MNCs and managing directors participated in the summit. They presented Modi with luxurious and expensive gifts. The gifts will be auctioned and its proceeds will be used for the girls' education. The government has formed a seven-member committee to prepare a list of gifts, which will, take a week's time. The gift items include a diamond-studded pen to real platinum cufflink and diamond-studded locket.
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