Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], September 12 (ANI): In an effort to develop the Bastar region into an industrial and employment hub and align it with Chhattisgarh's Industrial Development Policy 2024-30, the state government hosted the Bastar Investor Connect. The event was organised by the state's Commerce and Industry Department.

At the Investor Connect event, the founder of Bastar Food Firm, Raziya Shaikh, said that the region has received investments from companies based in London as well.

'Bastar is a natural region, so we expect that whatever investment comes in should be in this segment while maintaining its natural heritage so that the tribal culture for which we are known in Bastar should be known in the world in the same way,' Raziya Shaikh stated on Thursday.

'Many people were afraid to invest in Bastar, but we have received investments from companies from London as well... There is a lot of scope for investment in Bastar,' she added.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday announced that Investor Connect events are being organised continuously across the state.

While speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister also said that an Investor Connect event was held in Bastar. He emphasised that such events would significantly boost small-scale industries in the area.

'After introducing the new industrial policy in Chhattisgarh, Investor Connect events are being held continuously.... Today, an Investor Connect event is also being held in Bastar. This will greatly promote small-scale industries there, and local people will benefit from it...' Sai told reporters.

Discussing the new industrial policy, the Chief Minister stated that it provides special incentives for SC/ST individuals and women who wish to pursue entrepreneurship. 'If someone from the SC/ST category or women entrepreneurs wishes to become entrepreneurs, there are special incentives arranged for them in the new industrial policy,' he added.

According to the state government, the Chhattisgarh Industrial Policy 2024-30 has not only opened new doors of investment, innovation, and jobs in Bastar but across the state. The Bastar Investor Connect reflects the state's commitment to balanced regional development. The policy ensures job creation, promotes entrepreneurship, and empowers communities, while also preserving Bastar's tribal heritage and cultural identity. It provides special incentives for projects over Rs 1,000 crore or creating more than 1,000 jobs, prioritising pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, textiles, IT & digital tech, advanced electronics, aerospace & defence, and Global Capability Centres. Tourism has been given industry status, with subsidies up to 45% for hotels, eco-tourism, wellness centres, adventure sports, and sports facilities. (ANI)