Vidarbha on a path of promising growth: Rane

Business Reporter

Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Narayan Rane expressed optimism about Vidarbha’s future, calling it a region on a ‘promising growth path’ during the inauguration of the three-day ‘Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav - Advantage Vidarbha’ expo and business conclave on Saturday. Rane attributed the region’s potential to recent infrastructure projects, abundant mineral resources, and the visionary leadership of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He termed the current phase under these two leaders’ guidance as the ‘best era’ for Vidarbha’s development. Further highlighting the regional mineral wealth, Rane called it a ‘gift of God’ and specifically mentioned the iron ore mining project in Surjagarh, which he believes will transform the industrially backward Gadchiroli district. Rane urged the policymakers and stakeholders to set aside differences and work together to achieve further growth of the region. He emphasised the importance of identifying and developing the region’s unique strengths for sustainable growth.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who conceptualised the event, highlighted the ongoing infrastructure projects across Vidarbha and spoke about the improved road connectivity, power availability, and communication facilities that are attracting investments. He expressed his vision of developing industrial clusters in various parts of the region and identified Gadchiroli as a district witnessing rapid progress due to mining projects and other proposed investments.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway for creating new opportunities in Vidarbha. He expressed confidence that its extension to Gondia and Gadchiroli would further boost the region’s economic ecosystem.

Maharashtra Minister of Forests Sudhir Mungantiwar, MP Krupal Tumane, Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel, MP Ashok Nete, MLA Dr Anil Bonde, MLA Ashish Jaiswal, former MP Ajay Sancheti, Principal Adviser in the Ministry of Defence Lt General Vinod Khandare, Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar, Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Dr Subhash Chaudhari, Director of IIM Nagpur Bhimraya Metri, President of Association for Industrial Development Ashish Kale, Secretary Dr Vijay Sharma, and others were seated on the dais. Renuka Deshkar and Dr Bindu Chimote conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session while Dr Vijay Sharma proposed the formal vote of thanks.

25 MoUs Signed for startups

The first day of the expo saw 25 MoUs signed between angel investors, domestic companies, and startups from Vidarbha. These agreements aim to provide financial assistance and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs in the region, with each investor committing an annual support of Rs 25 lakh. Overall, the ‘Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav - Advantage Vidarbha’ event highlighted the positive outlook for Vidarbha’s growth, driven by infrastructure development, mineral resources, strong leadership, and a focus on entrepreneurship.