core sector communique

Speech of the Chief Minister for the Interactive Session on  ‘Investment Opportunities in Haryana’ organised by MCC Chamber of Commerce & Industry -  Kolkata on 5^th August 2012

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies & Gentlemen!

1.            It gives me immense pleasure to be with you here in this historic city of Kolkata and interact with you all. The MCC Chamber of Commerce & Industry is doing commendable work for the business community for more than a hundred years. I compliment then for organizing this event.

2.            Friends, I bring to you the good wishes of the people of Haryana. Haryana is a small state, geographically. It accounts for just 1.3% of the total area of the country. But it contributes nearly 3.4% to the national GDP. With per capita income of Rs. 1.09 lakh during    2011-12, it occupies the top position amongst the major states of the country. Haryana offers unique competitive advantage vis-à-vis other states of the country and has emerged as a preferred investment destination among the domestic and foreign investors.

3.            From being primarily an agrarian state, Haryana has come a long way since its formation and has found its rightful place on the global industrial map. While agriculture continues to be its mainstay, it is now an industrial giant and has emerged as an ideal location for industrialists and investors alike.

4.            Haryana today has harnessed the progressive thrust of industrialization with its innovative policies and pragmatic strategies, thereby becoming a pioneering State in modern India. The state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities, industry-friendly policies, responsive administration, peaceful law & order situation and abundant skilled manpower make it a preferred destination for setting up industry and enterprise.

5.            The economic growth of Haryana has registered an average annual growth rate of 6.4 percent during the period from 1966-67 to   2004-05. Further, during the last 7 years, i.e. from 2005 onwards, the State economy grew at an excellent average annual growth rate of 9.4 percent, much higher than the rate of growth of the Indian economy which was 8.4 percent.

6.            The exports from Haryana have crossed Rs. 48,530 crore during the year 2010-11. The State has catalysed an investment of about         Rs. 61,000 crore since 2005 and investments of about Rs. 97,000 crore are in the pipeline. The State has more than 1,000 projects with foreign technical and financial collaboration. Multinational companies such as Siemens, ABB, Suzuki, GE, Honda, Smithkline Beecham, JCB, Mitsubishi, IBM, Yokohama, Alcatel, Perfetti, Barco, Norcool, Johnson Matthey, Becton Dickinson, Caparo, Harley Davidson, Hollister etc. have their proud presence in Haryana.

7.            Let me also tell you that it is not for me to say all this. Professional and academic world is commenting on Haryana’s growth story. A report of September 2010 by the Assocham states that Haryana achieved 81% implementation rate of pledged investments, ahead of States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. As per the CMIE report of 2007, Haryana achieved the top position in terms of per capita investment. As per INDIA TODAY’s State of the States study report of 2011, Haryana is ranked as the top State in ‘Most improved big State’ - Health and Education Sector categories. The State has recently bagged the most competitive State award 2012 in the category of ‘Most Innovation Driven Economies’, conferred by the Institute for Competitiveness & Mint.

8.            We have always believed that good infrastructure attracts investments, good governance affirms it and the quality of life sustains it. We have undertaken a mission to give an unprecedented impetus to economic development of the State through strong infrastructure, favourable business environment, pragmatic policies and pool of skilled manpower.

9.            Creation of a world-class infrastructure has been our top priority. We are constantly striving to improve connectivity, ensure adequate power supply, water supply and provide effective logistics support to industry. The Global Corridor, known as KMP (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal) expressway will facilitate seamless connectivity of Haryana. Its 135 kms long route offers new opportunities of development. We have already brought the metro to Gurgaon. Work on the metro project for Faridabad is in progress.  Projects for Bahadurgarh and Panipat are also on the anvil. We are proud to implement the first intracity metro in PPP mode, in Gurgaon. Our other initiatives include upgradation of National and State highways, new inter-city connectivities, intra-city transport etc.

10.         We are also planning a number of infrastructure initiatives under the aegis of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor project – which is a project of international magnitude. 

11.         The industrial infrastructure in the State is being strengthened through development of new Industrial Model Townships and Industrial Estates and expansion of the existing estates. Niche parks such as the Food Parks, IT Parks etc., are being developed under the cluster development strategy. These projects would provide great investment opportunity for the investors.

12.         We are equally concerned about the social infrastructure.  Accordingly, we are focussing on creation and augmentation of schools, hospitals, recreation centres, shopping malls etc.

13.         Breaking away from the traditional ways of governance, we have adopted a model which facilitates hassle free and time bound approvals, thus reducing transaction costs for the projects. Our Government has positioned itself in the role of a facilitator. The Industrial & Investment Policy of 2011 facilitates promotion of investment into the State. In order to provide a level playing field, we have simplified rules and procedures and fixed timelines for clearances so as to improve efficiency and transparency through the Haryana Industrial Promotion Act, 2005.

14.         We are also taking steps to create a sizeable pool of technical and skilled manpower to take advantage of the knowledge economy. Institutes like Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), National Institute for Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), Central Institute for Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) etc. have been set up in the State.

15.         In the health sector also, we have identified a number of focus areas and devised key strategies. We have plans to launch special schemes to provide basic health services to the people below the poverty line. We are promoting the concept of institutional deliveries through promotion of Delivery Huts and provide access to the latest health services through referral systems and     tele-medicine network. It is also our endeavour to involve private sector in the development of medical infrastructure and facilities through public-private partnerships.

16.         Any vision for growth remains a mere pipe-dream unless it is supported by good governance and political will. We have an excellent track record on the law and order front with one of the lowest crime rates in the country. The work force in Haryana is diligent and hard working. The number of man-days lost on the industrial front in Haryana is one of the lowest in the country. Haryana was one of the first States to come out with a comprehensive and progressive Labour Policy.

17.         We have always been sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the farmers and land owners whose land is acquired for various developmental projects. Our landmark Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy has been emulated by other States as well. The policy provides for Annuity to land-owners for 33 years over and above land compensation. Our recent policy of land pooling scheme gives an opportunity to the landowners to become partners in the process of development and gain optimum benefits.

18.         Friends, I have briefly outlined the broad areas of Haryana’s growth story. I invite you to this land of opportunities and assure you of our fullest support. With these words, I once again commend the efforts of the MCC Chamber of Commerce & Industry for organising this event and for inviting me.