05-11-2005, 12:46 AM
http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story....t_id=70044
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Modi sees light in Maharashtra blackout
Govt publishes ads in Mumbai dailies to attract industries
HARIT MEHTAÂ
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Posted online: Monday, May 09, 2005 at 0214 hours IST
AHMEDABAD, MAY 8: Is Maharashtra's loss Gujaratâs gain? At least the Gujarat government, which is all set to make the most of the power crisis in the neighbouring state, seems to think so.
In a swift action, the state government has launched an aggressive campaign in Maharashtra, which is reeling under a major power crisis, to woo industries to Gujarat.
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On Saturday, the Narendra Modi government gave half-page advertisements in all national English dailies published from Mumbai. That the campaign is limited to Maharastra gives credence to the theory that Gujarat is trying to capitalise on the power crisis there.
The advertisement reads, ââThe joy of having continuous light... Always Enterprising Gujarat.ââ It enumerates achievements of the Modi government in the power sector like successful implementation of reforms, disbanding of the Gujarat Electricity Board, cheap power through reduction in duty and subsidies.
Nearly half the pointers in the ad boasts about ââ24-hour power supply to all seven municipal corporations and 151 municipalities; 24-hour, three-phase, uninterrupted electricity to every household in rural areas and 24-hours a week quality power supply to high tension industriesââ.
It also has picture of Modi and his quote: ââEnterprise and innovation for progress and prosperity, resilience and determination in face of adversities, courage to dream and strength to achieve is the very essence of Gujarati spirit.ââ
In Amravati, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said that load shedding should not affect water supply to farmers and directed the concerned officials to prepare a plan accordingly.
Deshmukh also directed the MSEB officials not to disconnect power supply to defaulters as it may ultimately affect their water supply.
The CM said the state will have to face a drought-like situation till the onset of monsoon (by June 30) and directed to give priority to digging of wells, supply of water through tankers and implementation of rural water supply schemes.
Gujaratâs Power Supply Minister Saurabh Patel is camping in Mumbai. Patel, who is there to attend a workshop for BJP ministers, says: ââThe government is committed to supplying quality power at an affordable rate. This was the reason why electricity duty was reduced recently.ââ
To whether the campaign is to attract investment and he says, ââThe fact that ads were issued only in Maharashtra indicates something, isnât it?ââ
The minister had earlier called a press conference in Gandhinagar on how the forthcoming summer was going to be the best in a long time. He also told the media that to help Maharashtra, the state had forgone its share 250 MW power it was entitled from ITPC.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Modi sees light in Maharashtra blackout
Govt publishes ads in Mumbai dailies to attract industries
HARIT MEHTAÂ
Send Feedback   E-mail this story   Print this story
Posted online: Monday, May 09, 2005 at 0214 hours IST
AHMEDABAD, MAY 8: Is Maharashtra's loss Gujaratâs gain? At least the Gujarat government, which is all set to make the most of the power crisis in the neighbouring state, seems to think so.
In a swift action, the state government has launched an aggressive campaign in Maharashtra, which is reeling under a major power crisis, to woo industries to Gujarat.
Advertisement
On Saturday, the Narendra Modi government gave half-page advertisements in all national English dailies published from Mumbai. That the campaign is limited to Maharastra gives credence to the theory that Gujarat is trying to capitalise on the power crisis there.
The advertisement reads, ââThe joy of having continuous light... Always Enterprising Gujarat.ââ It enumerates achievements of the Modi government in the power sector like successful implementation of reforms, disbanding of the Gujarat Electricity Board, cheap power through reduction in duty and subsidies.
Nearly half the pointers in the ad boasts about ââ24-hour power supply to all seven municipal corporations and 151 municipalities; 24-hour, three-phase, uninterrupted electricity to every household in rural areas and 24-hours a week quality power supply to high tension industriesââ.
It also has picture of Modi and his quote: ââEnterprise and innovation for progress and prosperity, resilience and determination in face of adversities, courage to dream and strength to achieve is the very essence of Gujarati spirit.ââ
In Amravati, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said that load shedding should not affect water supply to farmers and directed the concerned officials to prepare a plan accordingly.
Deshmukh also directed the MSEB officials not to disconnect power supply to defaulters as it may ultimately affect their water supply.
The CM said the state will have to face a drought-like situation till the onset of monsoon (by June 30) and directed to give priority to digging of wells, supply of water through tankers and implementation of rural water supply schemes.
Gujaratâs Power Supply Minister Saurabh Patel is camping in Mumbai. Patel, who is there to attend a workshop for BJP ministers, says: ââThe government is committed to supplying quality power at an affordable rate. This was the reason why electricity duty was reduced recently.ââ
To whether the campaign is to attract investment and he says, ââThe fact that ads were issued only in Maharashtra indicates something, isnât it?ââ
The minister had earlier called a press conference in Gandhinagar on how the forthcoming summer was going to be the best in a long time. He also told the media that to help Maharashtra, the state had forgone its share 250 MW power it was entitled from ITPC.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->