Rajasthan holds a special place in my heart. As a student at Mayo College in the mid ‘60s, I remember cycling to Jaipur with my friends, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. While still at school and later on, as an engineering student at BITS Pilani, I travelled to different parts of Rajasthan.
My association with the state continued when we established our business presence in the late ‘80s. Hi-Tech Gears Limited soon became one of the largest auto component manufacturers in the region. Our six plants at Bhiwadi, Rajasthan are modern and compliant with eco-friendly standards set by the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, equivalent to the LEED Gold certification given by the US Building Council.
This time, however, in Jaipur for the recently concluded CII Partnership Summit 2015, it was as though I was looking at the city and the state with new eyes. So much has changed, so many new developments and all of them are good. It is evident that the State Government is taking bold steps to facilitate business and open opportunities for investors, big and small. Turning around all the shortcomings into advantages in a way that can only be done under the able leadership of a visionary leader.
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje leads by example. The change in Rajasthan under her leadership is visible. In the short span of her second innings, she is already making a difference to the lives of her people. With her focus on education and skill development, Rajasthan will soon be one of the leading states offering abundant skilled labour, good infrastructure and regulations and laws that promote ease of doing business. The government has signed MoUs with 40 companies for providing skill development training to 1.7 lakh youths this year.
Tourism, Agro and Food Processing, Textiles are industries that are flourishing and can grow from strength to strength. The Government will soon introduce an investment promotion policy to attract investments. Investment opportunities in Rajasthan are abundant and investors need to take note.
I also see a lot of potential for the renewable energy sector. The state gets a lot of sun and this would be the best place for solar farms to be set up. The government will soon launch a policy to encourage solar energy production with an aim to generate 25,000 MW solar power in five years. Several MoUs have been signed with leading solar power corporations.
I had the opportunity of meeting with her and witnessing that clear drive, motivation and interest in taking things forward. I look forward to the Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership Summit 2015 in November and seeing her vision for her state become a reality!
