Gujarat has become a yardstick for progress in India:Modi

“Those who are happy with Gujarat’s progress praise us a lot and those who are jealous of our progress and economic development tell people that we are ahead of Gujarat. In a way, Gujarat has become a yardstick for progress, economic development and transparency in making economic and industrial policies,” Chief Minister Narendra Modi told a gathering of overseas Indians while hard-selling his state on Saturday at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010.

“We were not affected by recession at all and attracted investment proposals worth $240 billion during the last Vibrant Gujarat. We stood with confidence with our investors in those bad times,” he said.

“Our workers are so happy that our industries have seen zero man day loss, no labour strikes,” Modi said.

Talking about the agricultural revolution that his administration has ushered in the state — Gujarat, a food grains deficit state has become a food grains surplus state — he informed the NRIs present that the Bhindis (lady finger) that they ate in the US, the tomatoes in Afghanistan and milk in their teas in Singapore was exported from his state.

“We want balanced development. We want 30 per cent investments in industries, 30 per cent in agriculture and 30 per cent in the services sector so that all the Socio-economic sections of Gujarat could take advantage of the state’s growth story,” Modi said.

The chief minister said the state has moved beyond its 200 industrial estates and 60 special economic zones (SEZs) to Special Investment Regions (SIRs) now.

“The Dholera SIR will see global economic activity supported by world class infrastructure, premium civic amenities, centres of excellence and proactive policy framework,” he said.

He buttressed this by citing a Deutsche Bank study, which stated that Gujarat offered the most favourable outlook for growth of demand for infrastructure projects.

With the state celebrating its golden jubilee this year as Swarnim Gujarat, Modi invited members of the diaspora to be part of the celebrations.

“The diaspora have already committed with investments, social service and professional expertise. Today, consider accepting a new invitation. This is your invitation to come and be actively part of Swarnim Gujarat celebrations,” he said.