Chhattisgarh - Investment & Industrial Policies

Biotechnology Policy

Chhattisgarh along with being one of the largest states of India is also one of the richest in terms of mineral resources and biospheres in India, and is endowed with about twentytwo varied forest types. These have naturally occurring varieties of herbs and shrubs, with proven medicinal and aromatic ingredients. We have over thousands of square kilometres of virgin forest that are yet to be scientifically surveyed. A wealth of varieties of indigenous rice as a source of unexplored gene pool occurs naturally. Established traditional knowledge systems of self- healing and nutrition that are based on knowledge of the Bio-wealth, is a unique feature of various communities of Chhattisgarh. The State provides good governance and excellent infrastructure for industries in biotechnology.

Chhattisgarh lays emphasis on developing the State's rich mineral, forest and other natural resources on a sustainable basis to achieve the targets of rapid economic and social growth. Sustainable development is the delicate balance between the demands of economic development and the need for protection of the environment combining elements of economic efficiency along with intergenerational and social equity. The concept of sustainable development is particularly applicable in Chhattisgarh where in :

• 80% of the State's population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
• More than 44% of the State's geographical area is under forest cover.
• The State's industrial foundation is based on minerals and mining.
• A very large proportion of the population belongs to scheduled tribes and scheduled castes. Given the need to balance the benefits of development with the need to maintain and improve the environment, the State has prepared its Environmental Policy that is aimed at:
• Ensuring sustainable development with an emphasis on social and intergenerational equity
• Enhancing environmental performance as a means of competitive advantage for the State.
• Improving the quality of life of citizens.

Availability of reliable and cheap power is absolutely essential for economic development of any developing State and consumption of electricity in a State is an important indicator of the stage of development of agriculture, industry and commerce in that State. Chhattisgarh is backward in agriculture and industrial sector due to historical reasons. Formation of separate Chhattisgarh State out of undivided Madhya Pradesh since 1st November 2000 has opened up immense possibilities for development of agriculture and industrial sector in the State. Therefore, Energy Policy which is practical and realistic is essential to realise the above possibilities.

Chhattisgarh, endowed with abundant natural resources, is a 21st century state. The state contains rich forests and minor forest produce having more than 88 species of medicinal plants and is a store house of huge mineral deposits, including precious minerals. Due to easy availability of these resources, it has immense potential for industrial development.

It is the endeavour of the State Government to work towards rapid economic growth with regional balance so as to take the state to the category of "developed states". To bring about prosperity to the people of Chhattisgarh, it is necessary that the present rate of industrial growth increases substantially. Therefore, creation of a favourable investment environment for increasing industrial production and creating employment opportunities is one of the priority areas of the State Government.

Chhattisgarh State with wide-ranging socio-economic disparities is now witnessing the ongoing Information Technology (IT) revolution. The Government of Chhattisgarh visions ‘Vikas mool mantra, Aadhar loktantra’ (‘Driving Development through Democratic Governance’) and believes Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a particularly important medium for the state in reaching out and improving livelihoods specially for its overwhelming SC / ST population across 44% forest area, which had largely remained untouched by modern development.

The purpose of this policy document is to set expectations for quality and excellence in state government services to citizens, state transactions with citizens and businesses, and internal state governmental operations / functions through the strategic deployment of information technologies, and a concentrated focus on the opportunities of the information and communication technologies.

The State of Chhattisgarh was carved out of erstwhile Madhya Pradesh to provide deference to its distinctive historical, social background and natural resources. It is paradoxical that the State with richest natural endowments is amongst poor in the country. The basic purpose of its formation would be defeated if the natural resources are not used due to constraints of stringent forest laws and environment problems. To ease these strains and to provide accessibility in the benefit of natural resources utilization to the deprived class of the region, it has become imperative to evolve a suitable mineral policy for the nascent State.

Road Policy of the State provides a framework for future plans, programmes and actions for development of an efficient road network in Chhattisgarh. The primary objectives of this Road Policy are to:

• Ensure good road connectivity in rural areas with particular emphasis on access to district and block headquarters, healthcare centres, educational institutions, agricultural markets, tourism locations and cultural heritage sites
  
• Promote two north-south and four east-west high speed access corridors to develop Chhattisgarh into a regional logistics and transshipment hub.
• Facilitate social and economic development by strengthening the road network around industrial areas and growth centers
• Improve connectivity between industrial clusters/ areas.
• Convert all national highways into two lane roads and convert three of the busiest national highways into four lane roads

The urban development policy lays emphasis on improved planning and service delivery in democratic manner.

This policy identifies four strategic initiatives for meeting the desired objectives:

• Capacity building and institutional development
  
• Stress on operational efficiency
• Strengthening urban planning
  
• Enabling public private partnerships

The Government of Chhattisgarh is firmly committed to capitalise on its ‘new State advantage’. The State has taken a conscious decision to do away with past legacies and to adopt a fresh approach to economic and social development. This Women Empowerment Policy is not a modification of any earlier policy, but is based on the state’s specific geographical, social and cultural characteristics. This policy seeks to address the unique situation and issues facing women in Chhattisgarh across urban, periurban, rural and tribal areas. It is based on a comprehensive analysis of the best practices of other Indian states and countries from where positive elements have been culled out and suitably incorporated keeping in view the State’s unique features. The commitment of the State towards empowerment of women is evident from the fact that the Government has already set up a high level committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister to define and review the achievable and measurable goals for the newly formed State.

more....