CG, AMBIKAPUR (Economy India): Chhattisgarh has received investment proposals worth more than Rs 8.23 lakh crore under its Industrial Policy 2024-30, signalling a major push to accelerate industrial activity, investment and employment across the state.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government is working to create a safe, transparent and industry-friendly environment to attract investment, expand businesses and generate more employment opportunities for young people.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the two-day Agra Mahakumbh-2026 in Ambikapur.
Industrial Policy Focuses on Investment and Employment
Chief Minister Sai said the Chhattisgarh Industrial Policy 2024-30 has been designed with a strong focus on employment generation.
The policy provides incentives for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and includes special provisions for women and other sections of society. Tourism has also been accorded the status of an industry in view of its potential to generate investment and employment.
According to the Chief Minister, the investment proposals received so far could significantly expand industrial activity in the state if they are converted into projects on the ground.
The government is also seeking inputs from experienced entrepreneurs and industry representatives to make its policies more practical and responsive to business requirements.
Rs 500 Crore Mission to Promote Startups and Skills
The state government has recently approved the Chief Minister Startup and Nipun Mission, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-led opportunities among young people.
The government has allocated Rs 500 crore over five years for the mission.
Under the initiative, entrepreneurship development centres will be established in all 33 districts of Chhattisgarh.
The programme will also include the establishment of:
- 100 Emerging Technology Labs
- 5 Industry Centres of Excellence
- District-level entrepreneurship development infrastructure
The initiative is expected to provide young people with greater access to new technologies, skills, innovation and startup opportunities.
New Export Policy to Connect Local Products With Global Markets
Chief Minister Sai also highlighted the recently approved Chhattisgarh Export Promotion Policy 2026-30.
The policy seeks to connect small industries, local products and value-added agricultural and industrial products from the state with larger domestic and international markets.
The government expects the initiative to create new market opportunities for local entrepreneurs and increase the visibility of Chhattisgarh products beyond the state.
Tourism, Food Processing and Agriculture-Based Industries
The Chief Minister said the Surguja region has significant potential in tourism, agriculture-based industries, food processing and local products.
With tourism receiving industry status, sectors such as hotels, homestays and tourism services are expected to see greater investment opportunities.
The government has also encouraged experienced entrepreneurs to explore these sectors and support younger entrepreneurs and small businesses through mentorship and investment.
Women and Youth at the Centre of Economic Growth
Sai highlighted the growing participation of women in business, education, healthcare, industry, startups and social initiatives.
He said greater participation by women can provide additional momentum to economic development at the family, community and state levels.
The Chief Minister also called on young people to look beyond traditional employment and consider entrepreneurship, innovation and new business ideas as avenues for creating jobs for themselves and others.
Agra Mahakumbh-2026 Begins in Ambikapur
The Chief Minister inaugurated the two-day Agra Mahakumbh-2026, organised in Ambikapur, and praised the entrepreneurial and philanthropic contributions of the Agarwal community to Chhattisgarh’s economic and social development.
He said the community’s contribution extends beyond trade and business to industrial development, employment generation, education, healthcare and social service.
Sai also inaugurated a trade fair at the event and visited various stalls to learn about products and business activities. He also released the ‘Agrakul Darshan’ magazine.
Focus on Social Responsibility and Community Development
The Chief Minister said entrepreneurship should be accompanied by a commitment to social responsibility.
Referring to the Agarwal community’s contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted its involvement in providing oxygen, food supplies, healthcare support and other assistance to people in need.
He also welcomed the inclusion of health and yoga-related activities at the Agra Mahakumbh, saying that good health is important for individuals, families and communities to sustain economic and social progress.
Building a More Inclusive Growth Ecosystem
Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal said the Agra Mahakumbh provides an opportunity to discuss collective responsibility, organisational strength, social development and the future direction of the community.
The event also featured the Dasham Agra Alankaran, through which individuals making outstanding contributions in different fields were honoured.
With more than Rs 8.23 lakh crore in investment proposals, a Rs 500-crore startup and skills mission, district-level entrepreneurship centres and a new export promotion policy, Chhattisgarh is seeking to build a broader ecosystem for investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and employment.
The state government’s focus will now be on translating investment proposals into projects and ensuring that new opportunities reach businesses, entrepreneurs and young people across the state.
(Economy India)
