Since its creation in 2000, Chhattisgarh has gone through challenging times with frequent Maoist attacks. Yet, the Raman Singh government here is projecting the State as an ideal location for setting up warehousing and manufacturing facilities. The ingredients for growth sown by his government over the past 10 years will start yielding results soon, says the three-time Chief Minister. Speaking exclusively to BusinessLine amid his tight schedule overseeing the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on Saturday, Singh said the State will come out with flying colours soon.
What is your biggest achievement as Chhattisgarh CM for over a decade?
Right from the beginning I have been focusing on improving infrastructure. Though the State has mineral wealth it was not able to tap the true potential due to lack of proper connectivity, both by way of road and rail. This apart, there were challenges in the power sector. The reforms we had taken in these sectors are now visible above the ground.
We are building a 21{+s}{+t} century’s new State capital, Naya Raipur, with all facilities to qualify as the country’s first smart city.
Along with infrastructure, we are also concentrating on health. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the International Institute of Informational Technology in Naya Raipur this week. We are promoting an educational hub over a 37 sq km area where the best universities in India and abroad would operate.
What steps are you taking to improve infrastructure at mines?
Over the next four years we will have 600 km rail-road connectivity developed through public-private-partnership. We have signed agreements with Ircon and South Eastern Coalfields for the construction of about 300 km of rail network.
We have signed an MoU with NMDC and Sail to construct 140 km of railway line between Rowghat and Jagdalpur with an investment of ₹2,000 crore. The problem is coal production has been increasing year after year, but there is no commensurate rise in evacuation capacity.
NMDC’s proposed 3 million tonnes per annum integrated steel plant at Nagarnar is nearing completion. We want to promote value addition of minerals extracted from the State within the State. We have not allotted a single mine to traders in 11-12 years. It is a pity that we have been exporting iron ore from Bastar to all over the world but there is no steel plant there. Sail and NMDC will sign an agreement to set up a steel plant at Dilmili in Dantewada shortly. Besides, the 140-km Rowghat-Jagdalpur railway line will be laid in the PPP model. Both these projects entail an investment of ₹24,000 crore.
How confident are you that these projects will be executed, given that these are Naxal infested areas?
I toured all the Naxal areas for almost a month recently, talking to people and understanding their problem. I want to know why they fall prey to Naxals.
The truth is, these people are really interested in growth. They ask me why development happening in other parts of the State are not happening in Bastar. Nobody likes to live on the edge, with the fear of their son or daughter being kidnapped.
We had this problem of schools being bombed in Bastar. Teachers were not willing to go there. Bastar district is spread over 40,000 sq km with seven districts. Today, we have 60 portable pre-fabricated residential schools. More than half the students studying there have lost either or both parents.
We have developed 27 livelihood colleges for eighth and 10th dropouts. They are given vocational training in plumbing, masonry, driving and industrial work, so that they can earn ₹400-500 a day. Special training is given to 7,000-10,000 girls.
What has been the response of IT companies, to whom you have been promoting the State for long?
They are petrified by Naxals and feel that they will be kidnapped from the airport itself. I try to convince them, saying things are not that bad. Whether they want to invest or not, I tell them to visit the State once. Many have changed their minds after a visit, but investment decisions involve various things which I cannot influence. I just want to tell them there is more to Chhattisgarh and Naxals are fast fading. Come, Make in Chhattisgarh.
How do you see the new Mining Act?
It is the best thing to happen for the State. Apart from royalty, companies have to now pay a similar amount — or 35 per cent in some cases — towards a District Development Fund. Today, we get about ₹4,000 crore as royalty. The additional fund collected will be spent in seven districts. I would say it is an exciting time for Bastar, especially at Dantewada, where we are developing an education hub. I strongly believe education and opening up employment opportunity in these places is the only means to fight the Naxals. We will be among the top four Indian States in the next three to four years.
Any progress in food processing parks?
Yes, we have already signed two projects worth ₹250 crore and the State government is also planning a project. We are among the few States which have announced MSP for minor forest products such as tamarind and honey. We provide farmers with interest free loans and 7,500 units of free electricity to power water pumps.
Bastar is one of the largest producers of corn and is fast catching up in cashew production.