Industrial projects in Chhattisgarh hanging fire for nine years

Raipur, May 30 (IANS) Chhattisgarh is set to examine why agreements that various companies have signed with the government since 2000 to set up projects in the state haven't been honoured.

According to industry department officials, various projects involving a total investment of over Rs.177,000 crore are yet to be implemented.

'The chief minister (Raman Singh) has asked his ministers to contact the district administrations and ensure that these deals are implemented,' the officials told IANS.

Singh gave the instruction Friday when he presided over a state investment promotion board meeting that was convened to review the progress of agreements signed since the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000.

The officials said the chief minister was dissatisfied over the 'huge delay' in project implementation. Ministers in charge of the districts where investments are to be made have now been told to examine the reasons.

The state government has also decided to hold talks with the corporate sector to draft a new five-year industrial policy to replace the existing one, which will expire in November.