We are pulling out all stops to push development and make the state attractive for investors, CM Nitish Kumar tells Sanjay Singh
Could a state that has been long seen as backward actually show its more progressive counterparts the way ahead? We are pulling out all stops to push development and make the state attractive for investors, CM Nitish Kumar tells Sanjay Singh
It would appear so. A recent World Bank study notes the silent transformation of the state as a result of effective reforms, and Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, tells DNA in an interview with DNA that the government’s new year resolution is simply implementation of schemes for new roads, a thermal plant and most of all new investors to take over the sugar mills and turn them into biofuel units.
In contrast, Maharashtra, long considered a darling of investors, is struggling to get its act in order. The state’s planning commission chairman Ratnakar Mahajan admits in an interview with DNA that the second Human Development Index (HDI) report to be released soon will show little progress on key development indicators like literacy, education and infant mortality since the first report was prepared in 2002.
“We had given our suggestions in the HDI report of 2002 to enable the district planning committees and collectors to focus on areas requiring improvement.
But the planning and allocation of funds have not taken place on these lines... Elected representatives just want to do spectacular things in their constituencies to have on record that they have done something,” said Mahajan.
Meanwhile, Bihar is becoming more attractive by the day for investors. “We introduced many reforms, framed new policies, enacted and amended laws to generate confidence among investors. We have got proposals from Reliance, Tatas and others for ethanol projects,” said Nitish Kumar.
It is sometimes difficult to associate Bihar with the idea of progress but much has happened in recent years which is cause for hope. Law and order has improved and crime rates have dipped.
The state government has plans to build better roads, boost ethanol as fuel and improve the power situation. Now, some big companies are keen to invest in Bihar Can Bihar actually show laggard states a way forward?
What was your message to government officers for 2008?
For Bihar, 2008 will be the year of implementation and consolidation. All the programmes and projects initiated last year must now be implemented properly and those that have taken place have to be consolidated. The floods in 2007 affected the pace of development works. However, we have tried our best to provide timely relief and rehabilitation.
We have also begun providing an agriculture input subsidy at Rs4000 per hectare to assist farmers whose crops were destroyed. We will re-build all the five lakh houses damaged by the floods with “pucca” houses on the pattern of “Indira Awas Yojna”.
What about law and order?
Law and order situation has improved to a great extent and crime rate has dipped. The state is notorious for kidnappings for ransom with only 82 cases in 2007 as against 400 in 2004. Of the 38 districts in Bihar, at least 16 did not record any incident of kidnapping for ransom in 2007. Stern action under the law of the land be taken against all law breakers irrespective of their power and position. I have also instructed the officers to ensure that there was no violation of human rights.
What is your priority area in 2008?
The agriculture sector. Bihar has potential to produce fruits and vegetables apart from traditional crops. We have also launched the ‘Sugar Industries Promotion Policy 2006’ to develop and improve the sugar industries. We have already sanctioned 23 proposals for greenfield projects a distillery and a co-generation power project. We intend to hand over closed sugar mills and two distilleries on a long term lease basis to private investors. The Reliance Group, Tata and major PSUs have come with proposals to establish ethanol producing units in the state.
What about Bihar’s poor electricity situation?
We are committed to improving the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the state. Last October, a joint venture between the NTPC, Bihar State Electricity Board and the state government was formed to set up a 1980 MW thermal power plant in Nabi nagar ( Aurangabad). When completed in 5 years, the state would become largely self-sufficient in power.
What are your plans to boost industry?
We introduced many reforms, framed new policies, enacted and amended laws to generate confidence among the investors. We have cleared 108 proposals for total investment of Rs38,590 crore under ‘Single Window Clearance Act’.
What about Bihar’s roads?
Around 1200kms of NH has to be repaired and renovated in 2007-08, significantly more than in 2006-07. We plan to upgrade all state highways to two-lane highways at par with modern standards and specifications. We plan to spend Rs1800 crore for roads in next three years.
s_sanjay@dnaindia.net
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