Vibrant Gujarat Summit on Investment Oppurtunity plansin Development of Urban Areas

16th September 2013

– 15th October 2013

Inside this issue

Focal Point

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

Events Calendar

Explore Gujarat

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Fact File

• The state government expects an institutional investment of about INR 75,000 crore on inclusive urban development in the period 2012-2017.

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• By 2030, Gujarat is expected to be the second most urbanized state in the country with 66% of its population living in urban areas and three of the largest cities belonging to Gujarat viz. Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara.

From The Desk

Shri G. R. Aloria, IASAdditional Chief Secretary

Urban Development & Urban Housing Department

Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar

Government of Gujarat has always considered the growing urbanisation as an opportunity andhas devised policies, programmes and measures to proactively respond to the emerging urbanneeds . Holistic initiatives in areas of inclusive urban development encompassing affordablehousing, multi-modal urban transport, provision of civic amenities, land use planning andlivelihood promotion have been undertaken to tap into this opportunity.

I am glad to be a part of this edition of the newsletter which focuses on rapidurbanization in Gujarat. To help realize the vision of clean, green, liveable, vibrant andsustainable cities with all round-inclusive growth and development, the state has undertaken anumber of initiatives like Swarnim Jayanti MukhyaMantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana, Mukhya MantriGruh Yojna, Integrated Mobility Plan in Cities and several projects under JNNURM among manyothers. These dynamic and overarching urban development initiatives have enabled the citiesand towns of Gujarat to be the power-houses of development. This has paved way for thecreation of the requisite human capital and infrastructure, that catapults the entire statetowards a path of sustainable growth.

With nearly 43% of the total population residing in urban areas, Gujarat is way ahead of thenational average of about 31%, with a further prediction of touching 65% by 2030 through ourconcerted efforts.

Further details on such holistic policies adopted in the urban development & housing sectoralong with the support provided by the Government of Gujarat are covered at length in thisedition of newsletter.

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Focal Point

Urbanization: An opportunity

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challenges into opportunities; by holistic initiatives in areas of inclusive urban development encompassing affordable housing, multi-modal urban transport, provision of civic amenities, land use planning and livelihood promotion. The state government expects an institutional investment of about INR 75,000 crore on inclusive urban development in the period 2012-2017.

With a view to focusing for redressal of the issues related to accommodation and organized development in the cities, Department of Urban Development and Urban Housing has geared up its working. This department undertakes policy making decision in the matters related to urban housing and development and also monitors implementation, procures guidelines and issues orders related to it. The state government expects an institutional investment of about INR 75000 crore on urban development in the period 2012-2017.

Urbanization a global phenomenon, has been posing several challenges the world over. Effective governance, and planning, infrastructural availability, policies and sustainable development have been the issues at the core of an ever expanding urban sprawl.

Urbanization in India is anticipated to grow at a robust pace. Estimates indicate that by 2030, urbanization will reach to about 40%, as against 28% in 2001 backed by surging growth in economic reforms and foreign and domestic investments.

Gujarat, one of the leading economies of the country is experiencing rapid urbanization. According to latest census of India, 2011 Gujarat’s is 42.58% urbanized besides the state having one of the highest rates of urbanization among all states in the country. By 2030, Gujarat is expected to be the second most urbanized state in the country with 66% of its population living in urban areas and three of the largest cities belonging to Gujarat viz. Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara.

Gujarat has seen an unprecedented upsurge in economic growth and is one of the most urbanized states in the country. With estimates indicating rapid growth in urbanization, the state has consistently converted impending policy

Urbanization is not and should not be viewed as a challenge but should be turned into an opportunity

The BIG 2020

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Moreover, the state government came up with a mantra of developing the urban space with the ‘2 for 1’ paradigm as encapsulated by the Twin City Model.Through this model, the Government aims to bring together cities that are in geographic proximity but with gap in pace of development.

Gujarat had embraced the Twin City Model innovatively and is developing vibrant twin cities like Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad, Surendranagar-Wadhwan, Surat-Navsari, Vadodara-Halol, Bharuch-Ankleshwar and Morbi-Wankaner. These initiatives will add renewed strength to Gujarat’s quest for development and good governance.

Going forward, the impact of urbanization in Gujarat will be much more prominent as compared to any other state, on acount of some major projects like the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Dholera Special Investment Region, which will create new integrated cities. As a consequence of economic activities, it is expected that by 2030, 66% of Gujarat’s population will belong to cities and towns.

Gujarat is committed to address growing urban requirements and improving delivery of services like water, sanitation, waste management, urban transport, and urban housing to promote prosperity.

Focal Point

Development of high priority infrastructure projects are critical for Gujarat to retain and enhance its comparative advantage. The state has improved the overall awareness of e-Governance among its citizens as well as its employees. More channels have been developed to provide services and to improve the overall quality of services.

The state has mobilized investments in developing the necessary infrastructure, human capital, and a robust institutional framework for better supervision and service delivery. Gujarat aims at becoming a model state on all fronts of human development, with an aim of bringing an element of sustainability and inclusiveness in its development agenda.

Also, this pace of rapid urbanization is likely to pose a significant managerial and policy challenge for the Government, as demand of key services such as water, transportation, sewage treatment, low income housing will increase five to seven fold in cities. This calls for a massive improvement in provision of basic services, in terms of their coverage, effectiveness, efficiency, affordability and sustainability.

Oerlikon Drive Systems to invest INR 400 crore in GujaratSeptember 16, 2013

Oerlikon Drive Systems plans to invest INR 400 crore by 2018 for setting up its plant at Sanandin Gujarat. The first phase of the investment would be completed by 2015. The company representatives informed that Oerlikon would start production of drive systems, transmission components and complete transmissions by March 2015.

The 30 acre plant would employ around 1,000 people. The company plans to export around 50 per cent of the production from the Sanandplant. The turnover from the Gujarat plant is expected to be around INR 1,000 crore when it is fully operational in 2018. By that time, the overall turnover of the Oerlikon Drive Systems in India would be around INR 2,100 crore. Factors like proximity to the port, availability of power and support from the government have been the main drivers behind choosing Sanand as the location for the third plant.

TSSC, GESIA sign MoU, to train 20,000 youths in telecom

September 16, 2013

With an aim to reduce the growing gap between skilled manpower requirement and its availability in telecom sector, Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) and Gujarat Electronics and Software Industries Association (GESIA) have signed a MoU for skill development of around 20,000 youths in telecom. As part of the MoU, TSSC will devise curriculum and standards for skill training and development whereas GESIA will provide industry inputs.

Further, the government of Gujarat has assured provision of capital equipment and infrastructure for setting up over 20 skill development centres for the telecom industry.

Apart from the MoU between TSSC and GESIA,


five other Gujarat based organizations signed MoUs for developing viable skills ecosystem and creating global standards in telecom sectors. These include GlobalTech India Pvt. Ltd, TeleysiaNetwork Pvt. Ltd, QX KPO Services Pvt. Ltd, Azure Knowledge Centre Corporation and Aditya Birla Minacs.

GSPC aims to flow KG gas in December 2013

September 16, 2013

December is the latest deadline set by the state-owned Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) for gas production to start at its ambitious KG Basin project. Commercial production of gas from Deen Dayal field in KG basin was expected to commence in June 2013, but the project suffered a delay due to environmental issues. However, according to officials familiar with the situation, the issue has been sorted out and work has commenced at full-steam at the site.

Officials said that the construction of the wellhead platform has been completed, while works related to modular platform rig, process-cum-living quarters platform, sub-sea pipeline, and onshore gas terminal are in advanced stages of construction, and will be completed by the next month. GSPC is expected to produce around 2 to 2.5 million standard cubic metre(scm) of gas from Deen Dayal West block initially. The production is expected to rise to 5.2 million scm in the next couple of years.

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Gujarat companies perform stronglydespite slow growth in pharmaSeptember 17, 2013

The Indian pharmaceuticals market witnessed lowest growth during August, at 1.1 per cent, according to a recent report from All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD)-AWACS, a pharmaceutical market research organization. In spite of the unsatisfactory growth, some of the Gujarat-based firms have done well. Amongst upcoming corporates, Corona Remedies grew at 73.1 per cent.

Corona is an Ahmedabad based pharmacompany that clocked a turnover of INR 100 crore in 2012-13. The company has recently tied up with a Spanish firm to market an oral rehydration salt; and a Belgian firm KitoZyme to market Chitosan, a natural fat binder under the brand name Rasva.

According to the report, among the other Gujarat based companies which have fared well in terms of growth during the month are IntasPharma (growth rate during August 6.4 per cent), Torrent Pharma (6.6 per cent), Alembic (2.2 per cent) and Zydus Cadila (3.8 per cent).

In a major achievement for Gujarat's power transmission sector, Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd (GETCO) has registered 60 percent growth in setting up the transmission network in 220 KV voltage segment in the past decade. Data revealed that GETCO's transmission network under 220 kilovolt (KV) voltage class grew from 9,885 circuit kilometers (ckm) in 2001 to 15,774 ckm in March 2013, a growth of close to 60 percent. In the 400 KV voltage class - a higher capacity network, GETCO has achieved 104 percent growth from 1,764 ckm in 2001 to 3,603 ckm in March 2013.

GETCO plans to invest close to INR 11,425 croreduring the 12th five year plan (2012-17) and set up 14,500 ckm of transmission lines mainly focused on 400 KV and 220 KV transmission network. In the current year, GETCO plans to invest INR 2,430 crore to set up transmission lines of 3,249 ckm, of which 1,525 ckm will be 400 KV and 1,122 ckm will be 220 KV lines. GETCO officials maintained that the company has shown sharp growth in the last 10 years by constructing around 37 percent of the total ckmlength of transmission lines added in past 40 years.

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GETCO shows robust growth over tenyearsSeptember 18, 2013


Google to help Gujarat SMEs go onlineSeptember 19, 2013

Since Gujarat houses the largest number of SMEs in India, Google plans to ensure that around 50,000 small and medium businesses in Gujarat go online by the end of 2014. “The initiative is part of Google’s national campaign titled ‘India, get your business online’”, which offers free websites and hosts service to small and medium business in India”, the company said in a press statement. Google India has also created Google maps listings and Google+ business pages for these businesses.

Ahmedabad BRTS third phase budgetcleared

September 20, 2013

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worth INR 234.38 crore, at Hatkeshwar junctionworth INR 44.74 crore, and at Dinesh Chamberjunction; and a railway overbridge at Shyamalcrossing worth INR 135.88 crore.

Gujarat Maritime Board to modernize itsportsSeptember 21, 2013

After being directed by the JNNURM committee in Delhi to seek approval from the political body of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for the third phase of the BRTS project, the standing committee passed the budget for the 26.8 km BRTS corridor. The third phase of the BRTS project is worth INR 496.34 crore. The standing committee also passed proposals for four flyovers and railway overbridges. These projects are worth INR 457.75 crore. These projects include a flyover at Helmet Crossroads

Gujarat's ports regular Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has recently formed two high-level committees, one for preparing a draft plan for modernization of GMB-owned ports and another for planning the optimum utilization of sea and inland water transport in the state. Ports like Okha, Navlakhi and Magdalla, which handle a major chunk of cargo of the state-owned ports, are poised to be modernized soon.

Navlakhi and Magdalla are crucial ports for handling coal cargo. According to the officials, another committee has been formed to chalk out a detailed plan on non-cargo transport development plan on the Gujarat coast which will focus on projects like Ro-Ro ferry service, cruise service, inland water transport and coastal shipping and other such activities.


VCCI signs MoU with MNC organizing trade fairsSeptember 23, 2013

Vadodara Chamber of Commerce and Industry entered into a strategic partnership with a leading multi-national trade fair organizer for an event scheduled later this year. It is for the first time that the chamber that hosts the prestigious Vibrant VCCI annual exhibition entered into such a partnership.

VCCI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hannover Milano Fairs India Pvt Ltd (HMFIPL). The company is a fully-owned subsidiary of trade fair organizers Deutsche Messe AG, Germany, and Fiera Milano, Italy.

VCCI vice-president Nilesh Shukla said that the partnership was for SIN INDIA - World of Industry, an exhibition that will take place in December at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. "In the long run, we expect that the partnership will bring international players to our exhibition," Mr. Shukla said.

Steelcast to ramp up capacity

September 25, 2013

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Gujarat-based Steelcast Ltd will raise its capacity to 30,000 tonne by October, thereby increasing its quantum of exports mainly to cater to the developed economies”,according to the company’s spokesperson .

Steelcast has invested over INR 100 crore so far in raising its capacity from 10,000 tonne to 30,000 tonne in last three years. In the year ended March, the company had invested around INR 45 crore, while this fiscal it will be investing another INR 23 crore, reported the release from the company.

Gujarat tops in completed realty projects across IndiaSeptember 30, 2013

According to Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) report, Gujarat has ranked number one , with maximum share of about 35 per cent in the completed projects in real estate sector amid top 20 states across India during the first quarter of the current fiscal. Gujarat has registered completion of real estate projects worth about INR 1,035 crore in Q1 of the current financial year against INR 39 croreworth of realty projects completed during the corresponding period of last year.

Gujarat had attracted new investments worth about INR 500 crore in real estate sector in first quarter of FY13. With a share of over 15 per cent in total outstanding investments worth over INR 14 lakh crore attracted by top 20 states in the real estate sector as of June 2013, Gujarat ranks second with outstanding investments worth over INR 2.1 lakh crore in the realty sector.


Auto hubs in Gujarat to get direct railconnectivityOctober 3, 2013

Auto-hubs in Gujarat will now have direct railway connectivity from the backyard of the manufacturing plants to ports like Mundra and Pipavav. There would be direct linkage from Sanand to the ports of Mundra and Pipavav, and there are plans to develop similar last-mile connectivity for Maruti Suzuki in Mandal-Becharaji region as well. The idea is to offer best-in-class infrastructure to companies that have decided to invest in the state.

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Additionally, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) would be floated by a government agency in which the companies in the estate would be invited to participate. Direct railway connectivity between the Sanand GIDC and the ports of Mundra and Pipavav is likely to take around two to three years. Government sources informed that the Gujarat Industrial Development Board (GIDB) is likely to float the SPV.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat government is working on attracting investments from Japanese companies near the Maruti Suzuki plant. The Gujarat government has earmarked around 500 hectares of land for Japan-based companies to set up shops in the Mandal-Becharaji region, close to the Maruti plant. Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has appointed Kajima Corporation to conduct a feasibility study on developing a Japanese industrial estate in the region. An industry department source informed that there is a plan to develop an autocomponent park over 1,000 acres in the region. A recycling solution provider, Japan Environment Planning (Jeplan) is looking at setting up a mobile phone recycling plant in Gujarat. While the location is yet to be decided, it could come up at the Japanese cluster planned at Hansalpur.


Around two dozen Japanese companiesto set up projects in GujaratOctober 4, 2013

Over two dozen Japanese companies have either pledged projects in Gujarat or are in the process of doing so, circumventing the economic slowdown in the process. Half of these are auto components makers, planning to build ancillary units around Sanand and Viramgam near Ahmedabad, which is already the auto hub. These 25-odd companies will bring in investments worth approximately USD 400 million.

Among the new players which are in the process of setting up units are Mitsubishi Aluminium Co Ltd, Toyoda Gosei Minda Pvt Ltd, FCC Rico, Toyota Forms, Mitsui Kinzoku Components and Toyo Ink. Besides auto components, there are a number of other companies wanting to invest in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals to steel, tyre manufacturers, chemicals, metals and paints. One of Japan's biggest steel makers, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metals, is also planning to set up a factory in Gujarat.

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in Gujarat. According to the association, the groundnut production was about 600,000 tonnes last year in the state.As per the SOMA data, highest groundnut production will be seen in Junagadh district with 650,000 tonnes, followed by Jamnagar with 555,000 tonnes and Rajkot with 470,000 tonnes.

UK-based Clarks Footwear to add 15 more stores October 13, 2013

British shoemaker Clarks expects to double its sales with launch of over 15 new stores across India by the end of January 2014. The company had entered the Gujarat market last month with launch of a store in Vadodara. It plans to open five more stores in Gujarat by the end of 2013.

Groundnut Production in Gujarat to quadruple October 7, 2013

Saurashtra Oil Millers’ Association (SOMA) has estimated almost four times higher groundnut production this year as compared to last year in Gujarat. According to the association, good monsoon has encouraged farmers to take up groundnut sowing in a big way which may result in increased production. SOMA has estimated about 2.40 million tonnes groundnut production

"Gujarat is developing at a fast pace and Ahmedabad is a strategic market for us. We have plans to open more stores in the city and other parts of the state," said S Ramprasad, CEO, Clarks Future Footwear Ltd. The company plans to open stores in Rajkot and Surat this month, he added.


INR 15,000 crore alumina project tocome up near MundraOctober 13, 2013

An alumina plant and aluminum smelter project worth INR 15,000 crore would be set up near Mundra in Kutch district of Gujarat. It is a joint venture between National Aluminum Company Ltd (Nalco), a PSU with the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), Union Minister of State for Mines, Shri Dinsha Patel said.

The minister expressed hope that this project would get its nod from the Gujarat cabinet soon and that the foundation stone of this project would be laid in a month. According to him, Nalco would have 51 per cent equity, while the GMDC will hold the remaining.

INR 6,000 crore is required for the initial investment into the project, which will be raised to about INR 15,000 crore at a later stage, Patel said. The project is for one million tonnealumina and 0.5 million tonne aluminum smelter. GMDC will supply bauxite for the project from its group of mines in Kutch.

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Cities & Sectors,’ conducted by Assocham. Among other tier-1 centers, Pune registered massive surge in new job generation about 40 per cent followed by Ahmedabad (over 31 %), Surat (24 %) and Hyderabad (16.5%), said the report.

Ahmedabad surges ahead by 31% in fresh job creation October 14, 2013

The ongoing market slowdown doesn’t seem to have any impact on Ahmedabad’s job market. The city has witnessed a 31% rise in new jobs generation in the second quarter of 2013-14.Finance, construction companies & IT are the sectors which have provided maximum jobs.Top five metros viz. Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata and Mumbai together account for about 61% of the new jobs,” according to a sector-specific analysis on ‘Job Trends Across

Amdavad inches closer to 24x7 water supply dreamOctober 14, 2013

Following extension to JNNURM, continuous water supply & tertiary sewage treatment projects of AMC have got the go-ahead. Amdavadis will soon get round-the-clock water supply. Not just this, a huge quantity of drinking water can be saved in the city.


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French Ambassador Meets Modi, Discusses PartnershipOctober 15, 2013

Ambassador of France to India H.E. Francois Richier along with a business delegation met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar and discussed potential areas for partnership.

“Fruitful discussions on developing partnership with Gujarat emerged from the meet," an official statement issued by the state information department. Richier was accompanied by officials of 14 French companies, the statement said, adding that he held a two-hour meeting with state government officials and discussed partnership with Gujarat in urban infrastructure and transport, solid waste and water management, defense equipment as well as solar energy.

Some of these companies showed commitment to set up projects in Gujarat, the statement said. Mr. Modi sought French co-operation to develop the defense equipment manufacturing sector in Gujarat and provide engineering expertise to train manpower in this field, it added.

The civic body got the nod for 24x7 water supply project in Jodhpur ward and Stadium ward and tertiary treatment of sewage water from Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) committee earlier this week.

Besides water supply and sewage water treatment, the projects include tertiary treatment of sewage water, construction of four flyovers, third phase of BRTS and purchase of new buses for BRTS and feeder routes. AMC plans to direct sewage water to Sabarmati after its tertiary treatment and set up three plants for this purpose. The civic body also plans to set up one more STP (sewage treatment plant) to provide water to industries.

The STP with a capacity of 60 million litre per day at Old Pirana will provide water to industries. The total project cost is estimated at INR 378 crore. The Jodhpur and Stadium wards have been selected to implement the pilot project at a cost of INR 53.83 crore.

The civic body will also build four flyovers — at Helmet crossroads, Shyamal crossroads, Hatkeshwar crossroads and Dinesh Chamber crossroads — on priority basis and has submitted DPRs worth INR 458 crore.

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National Conference on Skill Development September 25, 2013

To showcase the huge skill potential available in India, “National Conference on Skill Development” was organized by Labour and Employment Department of the Gujarat government along with Confederation of Indian Industry and was inaugurated by Shri NarendraModi, Hon’ble Chief Minister Gujarat. The conference focused on knowledge sharing of best practices in Skill Development, creating better job opportunities for the youth, networking and encouraging participation from the Private Sector.

Mr. John Blomquist, India Human Development Coordinator, Lead Economist – South Asia Region World Bank addressed the attendees with his views on skill development. He mentioned that life skills, ability to be flexible are required more than technical skills. He stressed on the in-service training to raise the workforce.

Speaking at the conference Shri Narendra Modicalled for strengthening skill development initiatives in our nation so that it can help the youth of our nation. He mentioned that in the last century we were very proud of IITs and is a very good thing no doubt but in this century we need to think about ITIs and give it the same importance. Like there are industrial cluster, ShriNarendra Modi called for the setting up of Human Resource Development clusters that enable individuals to pick up skills that would give them ample opportunities near their homes. He avowed that there would be development where there will be skilled manpower. During his speech he paid rich tributes to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on his birth anniversary.

Events Calendar

The conference was attended by dignitaries such as Shri Saurabhbhai Patel, Hon’ble Minister for Labour and Employment, Government of Gujarat; Shri P Panneervel, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, Government of Gujarat; H.E. Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India. Moreover, in the conference speakers and experts from industries, departments, associations, educational institutes, directorates were invited for sharing their thoughts on various topics

Thailand Business Delegation MeetingSeptember 25, 2013

A Thai Delegation led by Mr. Asi Mamanee, Director, South Asia Division, Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and comprising of 7 delegates from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Thai Consulate was on a 3 day visit to Gujarat to explore the possibility of investment in various sectors.

During their visit, they met officials of Industries Department at Industrial Extension Bureau and GIDB officials regarding the infrastructure investment opportunities available in the State.

The delegation also visited Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Tata Motors Plant in Sanand and GIFT City.

International Conference On

Food Processing, Agribusiness & DairySeptember 26, 2013

This International Summit cum Exhibition organized by ASSOCHAM and supported by Ministry of food processing industries, Government of India; Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India; CSIR India; Government of Gujarat; Government of Odisha; Industrial Extension Bureau.

This event provided a forum for discussion on various agenda’s like investment opportunities in the food processing sector, strengthening trade linkages, key policy initiatives taken by Governments to attract investment in the processed food, agro and dairy market, Regulatory and Policy issues, issues pertaining to quality standards and pricing mechanisms among many others. This event also provided an opportunity for participating companies to exhibit their latest research and developments and products in the market.

A Research Report jointly prepared by ASSOCHAM & Frontier Growth Advisors was released in the summit.

The summit was attended by Ms. BhagyeshSoneji , Chairperson ASSOCHAM Gujarat Council & CMD Ameda Pharma & Proprietress, Elegant India; Mr. Farid Nabi , Executive Director, Comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development Finance – CARD-F of Afghanistan; Shri Panchanan Dash, IAS Principal Secretary, MSME Department, Govt. of Odisha; Shri Raj Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Cooperation Department, Govt. of Gujarat, who was also the Chief Guest for the event

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and Shri Jay Ruparel , Co Chairperson, AOCHAM Gujarat Council & Co-founder & CEO, Azure Knowledge Corporation.

ATVT Chintan ShibirOctober 14, 2013

This event was organised by Women and Child Development Department, Government of Gujarat.

Shri Dr. Varesh Sinha (Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat) highlighted the use of cluster approach for the development of 40 flagship schemes under rural development by Gujarat government. He further emphasized that the development and integration of villages are necessities of inclusive growth of the state. He also discussed the importance of Nutritious food and Child health in rural areas and on proper Aanganwdi operations.

Shri Ganpat Singh Vasava (Minister, Government of Gujarat) pointed malnutrition as the country’s biggest problem and called for immediate steps to be taken to eradicate it. Along with celebrating the 45% increase in the number of Anganwadis during last 10 years, ShriVasava was enthused about the new developments in Anganwadis, such as the

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Events Calendar

formation of separate department for Anganwadis after 2001, and allocation of a fund of approximately INR 8000 cr. to this department. He mentioned that the formation of ICDS (Integrated Child Development Service) was aimed at improving the Anganwadi scheme.

Shri Narendra Modi (Chief Minister-Government of Gujarat), the Chief Guest for the event, underscored the theme of ATVT, under which every Taluka in Gujarat is empowered and self-sustained to provide a local platform for driving double digit growth and social development. He further remarked that the decentralization of administration up to sub-district (taluka) level has made the process speedier, effective, transparent, and citizen-centric, which has given an aspiration to every taluka to develop faster and instill a sense of belonging in giving a new stimulus to the development process. In his parting remarks, Shri Modi termed ATVT as another important step towards grassroots democracy taken by Government for which provision has been made to provide INR 27 billion by Government of Gujarat over the next 4 years.

Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary

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FaunaMammals: There is a large population of Leopard (Panthera pardus) in the Protected Area. Among the other carnivores are the Jungle cat (Felis chaus), the jackal (Canis aureus) and the Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), fox (Vulpesbengalensis), common mongoose (Herpestesedwardsii), ruddy mongoose (Herpestes smithi) Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica) and Ratel(Mellivora capensis).

The Sloth bear is conspicuous by its absence in Gir.

The herbivores include Sambar (Cervusunicolor), Chital(Cervus axis), Nilgai (Boselaphustragocamelus), Four horned antelope or Chowsingha (Tetraceros quadricornis), Chinkara(Gazella gazella) and the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa).

Birds: The main scavenger is the vulture, there are 6 species in Gir, including the Black or King Vulture . The birds of prey are Shaheen Falcon, Bonelli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Spotted Owlet, Brown Fish owl, Tawny eagle, Shikra, Brahminy kite and the Blackwinged Kite.

Some other species found at Gir are Grey Quail, Jungle Bush Quail, Grey Partridge, Nightjar, Black-headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpecker, Black Ibis, and White-necked Stork.

Butterflies Many snake species have recorded such as the Python, Common ratsnake, Keelbacks, Common Indian Krait, Russell's viper, Saw-scaled viper and the Indian Cobra. The Gir is an excellent place for seeing Marsh or Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in its rivers and in the lake of the Kamaleshwar dam. There is a crocodile rearing centre at Sasan. Other reptiles include Star tortoise, Monitor lizard, Fanthroated lizard, Calotes, Indian chameleon and Common skink.

Formerly the hunting reserve of the Nawabs of Junagadh, Gir Forest is the largest compact tract comprising of 1412 sq Km of dry deciduous forest in Gujarat and the only abode of the Asiatic Lion in the world. Gir was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and given National Park status ten years later.

Besides the Asiatic Lion, Gir supports a large population of Leopard, and other carnivores include Jungle Cat, Jackal, Striped Hyena, Common and Ruddy mongoose. The herbivores include Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara and Wild Boar.

Over 300 bird species have been recorded here. These include the Shaheen Falcon, Bonelli'sEagle, Great Horned Owl, Tawny eagle and Blackwinged Kite. Grey and Jungle Bush Quail, Grey Partridge, Nightjar, Black-headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpecker, Black Ibis, and White-necked Stork are also found at Gir.

The Gir National Park and Sanctuary lie in the south-west of the Saurashtra peninsula in the state of Gujarat. It is the last home of the Asiatic Lion and the only patch of extensive forest in the Saurashtra peninsula.

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Vibrant Gujarat Summit on Investment Oppurtunity plansin Development of Urban Areas