Ahead of the high-profile Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC), the state government has rolled out significant financial support to boost the industrial sector in the Saurashtra-Kutch region. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, in a major pre-summit push, distributed incentive assistance worth a substantial Rs 956 crore to more than 10,000 industrial entrepreneurs in Rajkot on Monday.
Pre-Summit Push for Industrial Growth
Interacting with leading industrialists from the region, Sanghavi reiterated the government's firm commitment to supporting industrial expansion as a core part of Gujarat's development agenda. The interaction programme, held at the Rajkot collector office, served as a platform to urge businesses to ramp up investments and accelerate regional development.
On the occasion, the deputy chief minister also handed over letters for projects worth Rs 671 crore to 137 industries. These projects fall under various state schemes, including textile incentives, environmental initiatives, industrial infrastructure development, and support for small-scale industries.
Simplifying Processes and Resolving Issues
Emphasizing the government's focus on creating a business-friendly ecosystem, Sanghavi assured that the administration is dedicated to swiftly resolving industry-related issues. This, he stated, is crucial for ensuring ease of investment, enhancing production capacity, and achieving sustained economic growth.
Highlighting a key administrative reform, Sanghavi revealed that the government has significantly simplified procedures. The daily rate of subsidy approvals has been increased from approximately 225 per day to 450 per day, with an ambitious target of reaching 700 approvals daily.
Addressing the media later, he clarified that the coordination meeting was specifically organized to tackle challenges faced by both small and large-scale industries at the local level, ensuring ground-level hurdles are addressed promptly.
Rajkot as a Manufacturing Hub and Host University's Expansion
Describing Rajkot as the growth engine of Gujarat's manufacturing sector, Sanghavi noted the city's rapid progress in industrial and infrastructure development. He expressed high expectations from the upcoming VGRC, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Marwadi University on January 11. The conference is anticipated to attract large-scale investments to Rajkot and the wider Saurashtra-Kutch region.
In a related development, the host institution, Marwadi University, has submitted a massive Rs 1,000 crore investment proposal to the state education department. The proposal outlines plans for developing advanced academic infrastructure, including new academic blocks, laboratories, hostels, sports facilities, and a sprawling 10,000 sq ft innovation and start-up centre.
Dhruv Marwadi, a trustee of the university, stated, "As an institution rooted in innovation, industry engagement, and skill development, we are proud to provide a platform that fosters collaborations between local enterprises, start-ups, government bodies, and global investors." This expansion aligns with the state's broader vision of fostering an innovation-led economy.
