Chhattisgarh took a significant step towards Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) opportunities today, as Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held discussions with US Consul General Mike Hankey and Russian Consul General Ivan Y. Fetisov about potential investments in the state’s health, education, IT, and tourism sectors. “We are actively engaging with global investors to make Chhattisgarh the preferred destination for investment and industrial growth,” said CM Vishnu Deo Sai.
At the second leg of the Investor Connect Meet in Mumbai, Chhattisgarh secured Rs 6,000 crore in investment through a range of proposals from prominent companies. These investments focus on key sectors, including plastic, textiles, IT, and food processing. The largest investment proposal of Rs 2,367 crore came from Ambuja Cement.
“Since the launch of our new industrial policy, we’ve already attracted over Rs 1 lakh crore in investments across our Investor Connect meets in Raipur, Delhi, and Mumbai,” said Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. “This is a testament to the growing confidence in Chhattisgarh as a hub for industrial growth.”
During the meet, several key industrialists from both India and abroad engaged in detailed discussions with CM Sai, exploring opportunities to boost industrial growth and create thousands of jobs in the state. Investors showed strong interest in setting up businesses in the region, further highlighting the state’s attractive business climate.
CM Highlights State’s New Industrial Policy
The Chief Minister emphasized the benefits of Chhattisgarh’s new Industrial Policy for 2024-30, stating, “We’ve adopted the motto ‘Minimum Governance, Maximum Incentives’ to create an investor-friendly environment. The state government has streamlined processes, including the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), which are now handled through a single-window system. This greatly reduces delays and offers significant relief to investors.”
To further promote investment, CM Sai outlined the state’s Bespoke Policy, designed to attract industries with investments of ₹1,000 crore or those that provide employment to 1,000 people. The policy offers incentives such as permanent capital investment ranging from 30% to 50%, totaling between ₹200 crore and ₹450 crore. Additional benefits include net SGST reimbursement, employment and EPF reimbursements, and reimbursement for training expenses for a period of 5 to 12 years.
The Chief Minister also highlighted emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computing, and Green Hydrogen, which Chhattisgarh is actively targeting for investment. He revealed plans to launch a new data center in Nava Raipur, aiming to transform the city into a major IT hub. “Nava Raipur is a modern, well-organized city that offers vast opportunities for the IT sector, with several companies already operating in the area,” CM Sai noted.
The state is also focusing on sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food, and agro-processing. Notably, CM Sai announced the establishment of a pharmaceutical park in Nava Raipur, set to become the largest in Central India.
New Industrial Hub and Priority Areas for Growth
In addition, the Chief Minister unveiled plans to create a new industrial area spanning 118 acres in Niyanar, near the Nagarnar Steel Plant in Bastar. This industrial hub will create substantial opportunities for small, micro, and medium enterprises. CM Sai emphasized that Bastar and Surguja are being prioritized for industrial investment, with special incentives being offered to encourage growth in these regions. “We are introducing significant discounts on iron and coal royalties and reimbursement of cess up to 150% in these priority areas,” he said.
Noteworthy Investment Proposals
Several major industrial groups presented investment proposals at the meet. Welspun Group, a leader in plastic and textile industries, plans to invest Rs 500 crore in Chhattisgarh. Drools Company announced a Rs 625 crore investment in Rajnandgaon to expand its pet food production, along with a 30 MW solar power plant to meet energy needs. Kritech Technologies proposed Rs 600 crore in IT sector investments, while Bombay Hospital Trust is set to invest Rs 700 crore in the healthcare sector.
Other companies such as Nantex Machinery, Pidilite Industries, and Vision Plus Security also shared their investment plans, with figures ranging from Rs 39.5 crore, Rs 80 crore and Rs.50 crore respectively.
High-Profile Meetings with Industry Leaders
CM Vishnu Deo Sai also met with prominent figures such as Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, and Tanya Dubash, Executive Director of Godrej Group. Birla expressed interest in expanding his industries in the state, particularly in textiles, paint, and jewelry, while Dubash showed interest in investing in agriculture, food processing, and molded furniture manufacturing.
Additionally, Dr. Haseeb Drabu, Senior Advisor of Essar Group, discussed potential investments in energy, infrastructure, steel, and mining. The Bombay Hospital Trust also expressed their commitment to building a world-class hospital in Nava Raipur, which will enhance healthcare services not only for Chhattisgarh but also for neighboring states.
Santosh Kataria, President of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India, highlighted the state’s rich mineral resources and skilled labor as significant assets for the textile industry in Chhattisgarh. “Chhattisgarh offers vast potential for growth in the textile sector, and we are excited about the opportunities here,” he said.
With strong interest from both domestic and international investors, Chhattisgarh’s Investor Connect Meet in Mumbai underscores the state’s growing position as an industrial powerhouse in India.
