New Delhi: In a boost to BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Gujarat has been ranked number one in a list of India's 20 largest states in terms of “economic freedom”.
The index on “economic freedom” takes into account governance, growth, citizens’ rights, and labour and business regulations.
As per the 2013 'Economic Freedom of the States of India' report, “Gujarat has widened its lead at the top of the economic freedom table, with an index score of 0.65 (on a scale from 0 to 1.0). Tamil Nadu remains in second position, but some distance behind, with a score of 0.54.”
The index on “economic freedom” takes into account governance, growth, citizens’ rights, and labour and business regulations.
As per the 2013 'Economic Freedom of the States of India' report, “Gujarat has widened its lead at the top of the economic freedom table, with an index score of 0.65 (on a scale from 0 to 1.0). Tamil Nadu remains in second position, but some distance behind, with a score of 0.54.”
It is noteworthy that the three states, which have seen fastest improvement in economic freedom, have also recorded a significant jump in economic growth. The growth rate in Gujarat has been an average 12 percent between 2005 and 2011, while in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh it has been 10.6 percent and 10.4 percent respectively.
“Gujarat is not only the freest state, but it has also registered the fastest rate of improvement in the
Enhancing the growth & accolades: A robust vision, a determined mission
From USA Congressional Think Tanks, Brookings Institutions, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, policy organization Legatum Institute to TIME Magazine and India’s ASSOCHAM and India Today, among several other organizations and groups, Gujarat’s development has been hailed universally.
Giving a strong impetus to these dazzling heights of progress is a solid vision, a mission to ensure that each and every citizen of Gujarat is integrated in the develop journey of the state. It is the farsightedness of Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi that has made the state a strong engine of growth over the last 13 years.
As far as economic freedom is concerned, Shri Narendra Modi has a very clear vision that has been appreciated far and wide. Speaking to the Economic Times in a past interview, Shri Modi had said that the government has no business to be in business. He envisions the role of the Government as that of a facilitator, helping stimulate growth in every way possible. Shri Modi went on to share how in Gujarat things such as greasing the palms of bureaucrats and politicians simply do not exist – there is coherence in polices which is more than enough.
He encapsulated his stand as – “No Red Tape, only Red Carpet is my policy towards investors.”
Today, in a time when crony capitalism and policy paralysis is plaguing the nation, Gujarat comes across as a breath of fresh air. Shri Modi himself says on many occasions that he has no son or son-in-law so who will he accumulate money for? Under his watchful eyes, the money that was earlier used up in enriching the pockets of a handful of middlemen, is now being utilized for the development of the state. Thus, on one hand there is freedom to grow and innovate, while on the other, the fruits of development are reaching the common people of Gujarat!
The force behind Gujarat’s development – 6 crore people of Gujarat!
On many occasions Shri Modi has been asked to whom can the development in Gujarat be attributed? And each time he is asked this question, quickly comes his reply – the 6 crore people of Gujarat! The development that the state has seen in the past 13 years has the scent of hardwork and sweat of 6 crore Gujaratis. The people of the state have shown amazing determination, zeal and commitment to take the state to newer heights of progress every single moment.
Recently, Asia’s leading brokerage house CLSA called Gujarat among the fastest growing states in India and called its development model most unique. It lauded Gujarat’s success in industry, agriculture and particularly praised the Government policies that have drawn investment in the state.
One of the key points CLSA noted is that Gujarat’s growth is characterized by low reliance on central funds. This yet again vindicated what Shri Modi says – that the growth of Gujarat is due to the people of Gujarat, no Hand can take imaginary credit for the growth of the state!
It is great to see Gujarat’s growth receive such encouraging words very often. It surely will inspire the people to further work hard and touch heights of progress never-seen-before, by following the Mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Collective efforts, inclusive growth).
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