We're working on philosophy of Sabka Saath & Sabka Vikas: Captain Abhimanyu

Despite facing massive losses during the Jat agitation, Haryana's economy has not only stabilised but improved in the last three years. It is evident from the fact that the state jumped from the 14th position in the Ease of Doing Business rankings in 2014 to 4th rank in 2017, and reached a GSDP figure of over 8.7 per cent. DNA speaks to Haryana Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu on how the state managed to bring in this fiscal discipline. Edited excerpts:

BJP has single-handedly formed a government in Haryana for the first time. Has the government achieved what it set out for three years ago?

We have worked with the philosophy of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. For the first time, Haryana elected a government not belonging to a particular family and not looking after only a particular segment of the society.

How did the government stabilise the state's fiscal economy?

In a first, we came out with a white paper and realised that industrial growth had slackened in the last few years. So, we brought in the new Haryana Enterprise Promotion Policy, 2015, and introduced changes in the overall ecosystem by amending labour laws, environmental laws, and making all processes online. System of industrial clearances and licences was improved.

What about the agricultural sector?

We provided immediate relief to farmers affected by crop loss due to natural calamities. The previous government left Rs 300 crore, which was to be paid to farmers. We have paid Rs 3,000 crore, so far.

How did Haryana manage to stand among the biggest contributing states to GST?

Our officials were rigorously trained and elaborate awareness programmes were held. We have the cooperation of all stakeholders.

Haryana has been consistently ahead of Punjab in economic growth. What are the lessons?

We see what good is being done in Punjab and there are things that they can learn from Haryana. We have a relationship. We share the umbilical cord and have shared campuses, High Court, Secretariat, and Assembly. They need to do some course correction, which I'm sure they are planning.

How do you view the impact of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign in the state?

There is a change in the narrative. Haryana had an image of a state where women folk were suppressed. We thank PM Narendra Modi for launching the campaign here. We took the issue of poor sex ratio as a challenge, brought it to the centrestage, and involved the Khaps. It became a social involvement. Thankfully, we have movies such as 'Dangal', and girls such as Sakshi Malik, Saina Nehwal, and Marushi Chillar making us proud.