Rajasthan pioneer state in implementing labour reforms: Arun Jaitley

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said the state government had signed memorandums of understanding that entailed investment commitments to the tune of over Rs.3.3 lakh crore and generation of 2.5 lakh jobs.

Raje has also relaxed land acquisition rules to set up factories in special economic zones and is now looking to extend the provisions state-wide, after Modi was forced to backtrack from his proposals.

Singapore Home Minister K Shanmugam announced that Scoot, a group company of Singapore Airlines, would soon commence direct flights between Jaipur and Singapore. These include a new campus of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Jhalawar, upgradation of the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology at Jaipur, and setting up a Rs.5500-crore project in Kota, marking the first investment in urea production in 20 years.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu revealed that the State Government would enter into a joint venture with the Railways to develop rail infrastructure in the State.

Rajasthan took the lead two years ago by becoming the “pioneer state” in implementing labour reforms and the state should now take initiative to become a pioneer yet again in “Ease of Doing Business” by making land “easily available” and granting sanctions easily, Finance minister Arun Jaitley said at the Resurgent Rajasthan investment summit in Jaipur on Thursday. He, however, did not disclose the details. As per the survey findings, an overwhelming 64 per cent respondents said availability of proper land parcels was one of the key factors for their decision to invest in the state.

The state government has taken several steps including labour law reforms, legal reforms and introduced policies in critical sectors for creating a conducive environment for business and industry. The chief minister also directed the Rajasthan Heritage Development and Managing Authority to chalk out a master plan for the development of Mangarh Dham in consultation with the stakeholders from neighbouring states.

Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said that the group, which has already made an investment of Rs 6,500 crore in cement sector, will pump in another Rs 7,000 crore in the same sector.

“So in all, the group will make total investment of 11,000 crore including some other business over a period of few years”, he said.

The summit brings together leading investors from across the world to interact with the political leadership, government officials and local business leaders to discuss investment opportunities in Rajasthan.

Gautam Adani, Chairman Adani group said that its company is well committed for the development and investment in Rajasthan.