Chakan: Describing Pune as the 'Detroit of India,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon Pune-based companies involved in the manufacturing sector to increase production in defence and railways. 

Modi also stressed the need for city-based engineering colleges to introduce defence-related engineering courses. 

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the state of the art multi-modal facility of global manufacturing firm General Electric at Chakan on Saturday, Modi said, “Pune has the advantage of being an educational hub. Introduction of defence-related courses in engineering colleges will help firms to hand pick talent.”

According to him, talented manpower and resource optimisation can help India become globally competitive. “We have created a separate ministry for entrepreneurship and skill-development and increased direct foreign investment in defence to 49 per cent, as defence, along with ship building, offers great scope. India must become a hub for railway manufacturing as the rail sector is not just limited to travel, but is the backbone of our economy,” Modi said.   
According to him, the fast paced growth of India is being looked at with optimism around the world. “Maharashtra has led by example to ensure ease of doing business, which could be replicated in rest of the states as well,” Modi said. 
He said that the 7.4 per cent Gross Domestic Production (GDP) growth is making global economists believe that India is the fastest growing economy in the world. “I assure global investors to start and invest in India,” Modi added. 

Modi said that the perception that 'despite 21st Century belonging to Asia, India was never the focus point' is now changing. 
“Earlier, we use to hear that the 21st century belongs to Asia but the needle of the world never moved to India. Things have changed now. We need to grow, sustain and for that a boost needs to be provided to manufacturing, services and agriculture,” Modi said.

Modi lauds State for reducing red tapism
Deliberating about Maharashtra, Modi hailed the State Government's decision to bring down the required number of permissions for the hospitality industry from 120 to just 10 for approving investment proposals. 
“Red tapism was evident in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) earlier. But bringing the number of clearances from 75 to 25 is a great achievement,” added Modi.

State govt keen on wooing big businesses

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that State government has reduced the number of clearances needed to set up a new business in the State.  

He also pointed out that the State has a huge role to play in the prime minister's initiative of 'Make in India'.  

“Lowering the number of permissions required for new industries is the focus of our government. 'Make in India' should be led by ease of doing business. We have given a go ahead for multinational companies like Ceat and Schneider to set up facilities in the State quickly after receiving the investment proposals. Only if we grow by 10 per cent or more, can the country grow at 8 per cent,” the CM said.
 

(Source: Sakaaltimes.com)

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