Ranchi: The political upheaval in Jharkhand has sent shockwaves across the industrial spectrum with the new Chief Minister announcing his decision to review over Rs 2,00,000 crore worth of investments in the state, including some big projects of Mittal Steel, Tata Steel and the Aditya Birla Group.
In all, 43 agreements reached between the previous NDA regime in Jharkhand and industrial houses will be reviewed afresh, the UPA government that was sworn in on Monday announced.
"Everything will come under review, but whatever things are pro-people and in the interest of the state will be continued," Jharkhand's new Chief Minister Madhu Koda said.
The previous government had signed 43 MoUs for projects with proposed investments exceeding Rs 1,75,000 crore, including a Rs 40,000-crore steel plant by global leader Mittal Steel. Aditya Birla Group had signed an MoU for a Rs 7,800 crore aluminium smelter plant in the state.
The review would also cover the rehabilitation and health insurance policies of the previous Arjun Munda Government, he replied, he said to specific questions.
For those wishing to invest in the state, Koda said: "The UPA government will ensure a friendly environment for serious investors who are committed to the growth of the state. The UPA government is committed to give a friendly investment policy."
On unemployment, he said his government would take steps to eradicate poverty as 54 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line. Social security would also be provided to all sections of society. He said the government would also set up institutions of higher educations so that students did not have to go out for pursuing studies.
Stating that his government would create a investor friendly atmosphere, Koda said a friendly industrial investment policy would be introduced by the UPA and he wanted investors to commit towards social development.
"My first priority is to generate employment and provide social security to the people of all sections," he said. On the controversial Vijay Van mines lease in Singhbhum, Koda said it was under consideration.
Besides the MoUs, Koda said there would be a review of all Cabinet decisions undertaken by the previous Arjun Munda Ministry after being reduced to a minority. Munda had convened two Cabinet meets after Koda, Kamlesh Singh, Enos Ekka and Harinarayan Rai withdrew support to his coalition, and took some decisions.
"We had been saying that a minority government cannot take decisions," Koda, who on September 5 informed Governor Syed Sibtey Razi that Munda government had reduced to a minority government, said. He was replying to a question whether he the former chief minister's recent decisions to set up state Women's Commission and SC/ST Commission would be reviewed.
Stating that it was sub-judice, Koda refused to reply to a question on Chirrudih and Pirtand cases, which involve Union minister and JMM chief Shibu Soren. The question was put after Koda said his government would review and withdraw at the earliest all those cases against the people who struggled for Jharkhand movement.
(With agency reports)
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