Jaipur, June 27 (IANS) On the occasion of International MSME Day, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma unveiled a series of major policy initiatives and incentives aimed at accelerating industrial growth, strengthening Rajasthan’s MSME ecosystem, promoting entrepreneurship, and positioning the state as a leading destination for investment.

The Chief Minister announced the development of dedicated Haats for artisans and weavers, new incentives for the electronics and semiconductor sectors under RIPS-2024, financial support for 25 startups through the Rajasthan Venture Capital Fund, and the launch of the Rajasthan Industrial Development Policy, among other initiatives.

He also distributed financial assistance worth over Rs 13 crore and RIICO land allotment letters to beneficiaries, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive industrial development and employment generation.

The Chief Minister said Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Rajasthan’s economic growth, employment generation, and self-reliance.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to encouraging youth entrepreneurship, enhancing the global visibility of local products, and transforming Rajasthan into a leading industrial state while preserving its cultural heritage.

Addressing a programme held at the Constitution Club in Jaipur, the Chief Minister said that Rajasthan’s pro-industry policies, combined with the hard work and innovation of entrepreneurs, have helped the state emerge as the fourth-largest MSME base in the country, with more than 33 lakh enterprises.

He added that the “double-engine government” is consistently working to promote industry, investment, and job creation, while initiatives such as the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit have strengthened investor confidence in the state.

The Chief Minister informed that under the Direct Allotment Policy-2025, more than 1,600 industrial plots have been allotted across Rajasthan in the past year to ensure timely land availability for industries.

He said the state government has implemented reforms across 23 key sectors to improve ease of doing business.

The approval time for land-use conversion in urban areas has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days, while the timeline for granting permission to commence industrial operations has been reduced from 120 days to 30 days.

He further stated that the list of “White Category” non-polluting industries has been expanded from 104 to 877, significantly reducing regulatory compliance burdens for MSMEs.

Highlighting Rajasthan’s long-term industrial roadmap, the Chief Minister said the government is developing new industrial hubs, including solar panel manufacturing parks, ceramic parks, data centre parks, and defence manufacturing parks.

He also referred to the Viksit Gram-Ward Abhiyan, under which a development roadmap is being prepared to promote unique local products from every district and provide them with global recognition.

He encouraged youth to establish processing units based on local agricultural produce and move towards becoming job creators.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced several key initiatives aimed at boosting industrial growth and innovation. These include the development of dedicated Haats for artisans, weavers, and micro-enterprises under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, to be initially established in Pushkar, Nathdwara, Jaisalmer, and Alwar; strengthening the electronics and semiconductor ecosystem under RIPS-2024, including reduced investment thresholds and enhanced incentives; and financial assistance for 25 new startups this year through the Rajasthan Venture Capital Fund.

He also announced an increase in monthly stipend support for women and differently-abled trainees in electronics and semiconductor skill development programmes from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000, expansion of investment flexibility under RIPS-2024 for projects covered under the Government of India’s ECMS scheme, allowing investment in up to five phases instead of three, and a reduction in the capital subsidy period for MSMEs under RIPS from 10 years to seven years, among other measures.

The Chief Minister also launched the Rajasthan Industrial Development Policy, the ODOP Coffee Table Book, and the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) Portal at the event.

He distributed cheques worth over Rs 13 crore, including loans, grants, and subsidies under various schemes of the Department of Industries and Commerce.

He also handed over RIICO land allotment letters and offer letters to beneficiaries of state industrial schemes.

Industries and Commerce Minister Col Rajyavardhan Rathore said the government is working to create an investor-friendly ecosystem through policy reforms and the expansion of industrial infrastructure.

He informed that 33 new industrial areas have been developed with necessary approvals.

Minister of State for Industries and Commerce K.K. Bishnoi said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Rajasthan is witnessing renewed momentum in MSMEs, skill development, and industrial growth through innovation and good governance.

The programme concluded with the government reaffirming its commitment to making Rajasthan a leading industrial hub while ensuring balanced and inclusive development.

–IANS

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