The State of Chhattisgarh is endowed with abundant natural resources. The state contains rich forests and minor forest produce having more than 88 species of medicinal plants and is a store house of huge mineral deposits, including precious minerals. Due to easy availability of these resources, it has immense potential for industrial development. It is the endeavour of the State Government to work towards rapid economic growth with regional balance so as to take the state to the category of "developed states". To bring about prosperity to the people of Chhattisgarh, it is necessary that the present rate of industrial growth increases substantially. Therefore, creation of a favourable investment environment for increasing industrial production and creating employment opportunities is one of the priority areas of the State Government.
The main objective of the new industrial policy is to add maximum value to state's abundant natural resources within the state itself, and create maximum employment opportunities by setting up industries in all its districts across the state. To attract industrial investment in the state, the policy attempts at providing necessary infrastructure for investment, reducing the cost of production for the investor and ensuring an investor friendly administration. Towards this end, special importance has been given to private sector participation.
Special effort has been made in the policy to see that, in addition to the industrially more developed areas, industries are set up in the state's industrially backward areas also, and that entrepreneurs from scheduled caste and scheduled tribe category also join the process of industrial development. Due attention has also been paid to investments by non-resident Indians, foreign direct investment, rehabilitation of closed and sick industries, development of skills for industrial employment, etc.
For finalizing the draft of the industrial policy, industrial associations, industrialists, investors, representatives of financial institutions, subject experts, etc. were consulted and their valuable views and suggestions have been accepted. The State Government hopes that implementation of the "Industrial Policy of Chhatisgarh 2004-2009" will provide impetus to State's industrialization and creation of employment opportunities.
