In a decisive move to transform the state's economic landscape, the Bihar government has declared a 'now or never' approach to fast-track industrial investment. The state's top bureaucrat, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, made this emphatic announcement during the weekly Udyog Varta interactive session held on Friday.
Spotlight on Women Entrepreneurs and Policy Support
Addressing a gathering of investors and business founders at the civil aviation directorate near Patna airport, Amrit placed special emphasis on the critical role of women in the state's development. He assured that the administration would extend its full support to enterprises led by women. To remove any roadblocks for investors, the Chief Secretary committed to implementing necessary policy amendments or introducing new frameworks without any delay.
The high-level meeting saw participation from 14 leading industry representatives and startup founders, who presented both proposals and challenges. Demonstrating the government's intent for swift action, Amrit took on-the-spot decisions on several pressing issues raised during the dialogue.
On-the-Spot Grievance Redressal and Project Pilots
When entrepreneurs Tanya Raj, Director of Eduratnam Innovation, and P Amrit, CEO of Foodam Food India, highlighted delays in receiving financial instalments, the Chief Secretary issued immediate instructions. He directed the industry department to complete its investigation within a week, ensure payment, and submit a compliance certificate.
Tanya Raj also proposed collaborating with the education department to set up skill-based training centres aimed at enhancing youth employability. Recognising the potential, Pratyaya Amrit instructed officials to consider launching this as a pilot project before January.
Infrastructure and Innovative Proposals Take Centre Stage
Infrastructure hurdles were also addressed promptly. Anil Kumar Chaurasia, Managing Director of ESE Energy Pvt Ltd in Kaimur, pointed out the poor condition of the road near his ethanol plant. Taking immediate cognisance, the Chief Secretary ordered the road construction department to prioritise repairs near NH-2 in Kudra block.
The meeting also served as a platform for innovative ideas. Entrepreneur and upcycling expert Kumar Prashant from Ara showcased models of climate-resilient villages and floating houses designed for flood-prone areas. He cited successful implementations in Bhojpur district, arguing that such models could minimise loss of life and property, allow floating hospitals to operate, and even save livestock during floods.
Other significant investment proposals put forth included:
- Shashi Shekhar of the Velankani Group suggested developing a 2,000-acre Integrated Electronic City.
- Mohit Kumar Patel of Diwaj Steel Pvt Ltd proposed setting up a 150-acre steel plant.
- Amarendra Kumar of Ultratech Cement highlighted ongoing land-related issues needing resolution.
The proactive stance at the Udyog Varta meeting signals the Bihar government's renewed urgency to create a conducive ecosystem for business, with a clear focus on actionable outcomes and time-bound resolutions.
