India@FDI Magazine

Madhya Pradesh in the only state in the
country to have diamond reserves, it also
has enormous limestone reserves, eight per
cent of India’s coal reserves and 114 billion
cubic metres of coal-bead methane
system allows investors to apply online for services offered by
various ministries and departments.
Single window clearance
The corporation is an empowered single-window secretariat
for mega projects with investments of over `250 million and
also for thrust sector projects of over `100 million.
It pilots proposals in these categories to the cabinet
committee headed by the chief minister, where a customised
economic package is sanctioned. This includes fiscal concessions
and tax exemptions.
India’s central heartland is a fascinating state with
enormous natural resources. Besides being the only state in
the country to have diamond reserves, it also has enormous
limestone reserves, eight per cent of India’s coal reserves and
114 billion cubic metres of coal-bead methane.
The state is a leader in the production of soybean, pulses,
grams and garlic; it also produces substantial quantities of
wheat, coriander, bananas, oranges, mangoes and lemon fruits.
About 30 per cent of its total land area – of 300,000 sq km
– is covered by forests, which is among the highest for large
states. Rajasthan has less than 10 per cent of land under forest
cover, Uttar Pradesh of about six per cent and Maharashtra of
16.5 per cent.
The state is also a leader in textile manufacturing,
automobiles, food processing, engineering and the manufacture
of agriculture equipment.
For a state that had seen lackadaisical growth over the
past few decades, MP has expanded rapidly in recent years. For
2016-17, its GDP is estimated to have expanded by a hefty 14
per cent.
Be happy
Interestingly, about four months after the UAE
established the Ministry of Happiness last
year, Madhya Pradesh also created a ‘Happiness
Department.’ “Normally, happiness is measured with
economic growth rate which is not entirely correct
as our country for ages believed otherwise,” declared
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the chief minister, while
announcing the setting up of the department. “There
is something more
which can bring
happiness in the lives
of people.”
Last month on
the International
Day of Happiness
(March 20), Chouhan
tweeted: “I take this opportunity to share that a
Happiness Index is being prepared to be published in
2018. I am glad that feedback from happiness index
survey will be factored into our government policies
and public expenditure priorities.”
Manohar Dubey, CEO, Rajya Anand Sansthan
(state happiness department) said the government
would consult experts to formulate a comprehensive
happiness index. It will be based on the response
to a questionnaire to gauge the happiness quotient
of people.
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