The Government determination to Change the Face of JHARKHAND is Evident as
much in the new factories coming up as in the fields.
"This," Says state finance minister, Shri M.P. Singh,
"despite the fact that we inherited a shattered system from the its
parent state Bihar."
But instead of wallowing in self pity and blaming Bihar for the
Situation, the Marandi Government dedicated to get down to the business of
governance. The Government's first 250 days in office were spent in
streamlining the sysytem and preparing a blueprint for all-around
development of Jharkhand State. The pragmatism reaped a rich harvest. Within
three months the Jhsrkhand Government was able to prepare its first full
budget and that too a surplus one. That Jharkhand is the only Indian State
to have surplus budget is a reflection of the fiscal prudence of the Marandi
Government .
This, However, does not change the grim realities staring Jharkhand
in the face. The state has 62 per cent of its population living below the
poverty line. only about 45 % villages are electrified and Hardly 42 per
cent villages is connected by roads. Besides, at 40 per cent , The literacy
level is much lower than the national average of 60 per cent.
BOOST TO INDUSTRY
If anything, these debilitating factors have propelled the
Government to act fast. It has already prepared a Comprehensive Industrial
policy to put sate on the growth track. Shri Roy , Who headed the drafting
Committee, says, "The Government created a short of history by
preparing a Comprehensive policy in a short time." Shri G.P. Pandey,
CMD of the HEC, Who was co-convener of the working group which prepared the
document, feels that Jharkhand should emerge as the premier investment
destination in eastern India and among the top five states with a 10 per
cent Industrial growth target.
These are not utopian desires. Concrete plans has
been prepared to end regional imbalances and find new growth centers. A
taskforce was recently setup to suggest measures for the industrial
development of the Hazaribagh the hub of the chottonagpur region. Matching
the Government efforts are two corporate gaint-the TATA Group in
Jamshedpur and MECON, A multi-disciplinary organisation based in Ranchi
which setup turnkey projects. MECON offers these services not only for
small, medium and large Industries but also for the infrastructure sector.
The TATA group has emerged as a leading partner in the progress of
Jharkhand. The group has already vigorously implemented its Various
expansion and modernisation plans.
Source:- India Today