Asserting that the UPA government has revolutionised the concept of inclusive growth, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia has urged the industry and society also to participate in the process to bring about inclusive growth.
“UPA government in the last five years has revolutionised the concept of inclusive growth. We put in place rural oriented schemes like NREGA, loan waiver scheme for farmers among others,” Mr. Scindia said, while delivering a talk on ’Leadership and Entrepreneurship’ and interacting with members of FICCI Ladies Organisation here last night.
“On one hand the government has done its bid and will continue to do, but in order to be able to achieve optimality in inclusive growth, it is important for the society and industry also to participate in that process,” he said.
To take out opportunities to rural India, the government must build up logistics and infrastructure and connectivity, but, it’s also up to industry and society to take initiative and transform life in rural regions, he urged.
Replying to another question on SEZs, Mr. Scindia said, .
“There have been lot of good stories along with some bad stories. Yes there are changes that we can bring about. But, SEZ story is also in many ways a success story for India and we need to push the SEZ story.”
“In a period of about three years, we have exported products close to one lakh crore from the SEZs in the country and they have also created employment opportunities,” Mr. Scindia said.
“About 19 per cent of country’s lands are non-areable and I believe that why don’t we start with conceptualising SEZs on that non-areable lands,” the Minister said adding, “I don’t think that the government should be involved in purchasing land and handing over it to corporates. They can do that directly with farmers.”
Earlier, Shantha Biotech Managing Director K I Varaprasad Reddy also spoke on the occasion.
