Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) plays a role of catalyst in industrial development of the state. It facilitates investors and entrepreneurs in site selection, getting financial assistance to small, medium and large scale projects, getting government clearances and extends incentives and concessions according to the policies of the state government. Here is our interview with RIICO MD, Ashutosh AT Pednekar. Excerpts:

What is the situation of industries in Rajasthan during the pandemic?

It is a challenging time. The priority is to restore the pre-corona situation of the production level. The biggest issue is the creation of sufficient demand to start the production.

What is RIICO doing to lure investments?

There is a lot of movement in investment at the international level. RIICO, along with European Business Group Federation, had discussions with various international companies and chambers of commerce from different countries including USA, Japan etc. Besides luring international investments, we are trying to attract domestic investments in the state too. We are attracting sector specific investments. Refinery with an estimated cost of ` 56,000 crore is coming up at Pachadra in Barmer district. Lot of ancillary units of plastic, petrochemicals will come up here. With restrictions on import of toys and sports goods, RIICO is coming up with sports/toys zone at Khushkhera in Alwar district. There is big scope for ceramics and glass sector. Also, a zone is coming up at Soniyana in Chittaurgarh district where gas and raw material is available. Similarly, we are looking into the field of defence production as Rajasthan has army and air force base. Bharat Electricals Limited (BEL) has set up its unit in Jodhpur for defence production. There is huge scope for Maintenance, Repair and Overhauling (MRO) of defence equipment, so MRO units can be set here. Apart from these, RIICO is looking into gems and jewellery, FinTech (Financial and Technical) services including others.  To reduce the cost of investors, we have started allotting smaller plots of 250 to 750 square metres to micro, small enterprises. Earlier, the plots offered were of 1000-1500 sqmts. Along with this, entrepreneurs are offered loans facilities such as Mudra Loan etc. These small plots are being given at Raghunathpura industrial area in Jaipur district and at Uniara in Tonk district. We are also offering Plug & Play facilities, in which there is multi-storey building where manufacturing can be done by taking space on rent. This will reduce the investment of the entrepreneur due to availability of common facilities, there will be ease of entry and exit too. All these steps were important during the COVID situation.

What is the situation of labourers…

Most of the labourers working outside the state have come back to their homes. The labour and industry departments have made a database of the skills, address and phone number of these workers. All the industry associations have been told about the availability of labourers as per their requirement. Rajasthan State Livelihood Development Corporation is also imparting training to the labourers.

It seems that industrial development is taking place in NCR, and along the Jaipur-Delhi highway. Is there similar development in process in other districts too?

Yes, industrial development has taken place in NCR and on Jaipur-Delhi highway due to the logistics. Besides this, industrial development has taken place in Udaipur, Jodhpur, Pali, Bhilwara and Kota. The Pachpadra refinery will bring in a huge industrial change. RIICO is also coming up with 20 new industrial areas in 16 districts in this financial year.

What has been the response of webinar with multinational companies?

The response has been quite encouraging. Many companies want to do MoU with us but prior to that they want to visit personally. It is getting delayed because of restrictions on operation of international flight services due to Coronavirus.

What has been industrial development during the Congress regime in last 18 months?

Industrial development is a continuous process. Last one year has been historical for RIICO, as sale of plots has increased by 325 per cent as compared to previous years.