Jaipur : Rajasthan, a state blessed with abundant natural resources, holds a prominent position in both the petroleum and natural gas sectors as well as renewable energy. It stands as the leading producer of onshore crude oil and onshore natural gas in India. The potential for solar energy production is estimated to reach an impressive 142 GW, while wind energy potential exceeds 127 GW. The current tenure of the Rajasthan Government has proven to be a prosperous period for industries and investments in Rajasthan. The state ranks second in corporate investments due to progressive policies and practical decision-making by the government. This was stated by Industries & Commerce Minister, Government of Rajasthan, Smt. Shakuntla Rawat today. She was speaking as the Chief Guest at a Conference on Advantages and Opportunities For Gas-Based Industries in Rajasthan organized by RIICO and FICCI at ITC Rajputana in Jaipur.

The Minister further said that steps like freeing MSME industries from obtaining state-level approvals for the initial 3 years – which has now been extended to 5 years, Mukhyamantri Laghu Udyog Protsahan Yojana, the one-stop shop facility to streamline approvals for investments above Rs 10 crore, among others, are revolutionary policies for the growth of industries and investment in State. She also threw light on the numerous projects which are currently underway, with the Petroleum Refinery cum Petrochemical Complex at Pachpadra in Barmer district taking center stage as the most significant and ambitious endeavour. To maximize value addition within the state, the Rajasthan Petro Zone has been established in close proximity to the refinery. This strategic move is expected to not only boost industrial investment but also drive investments in commercial, educational, and social infrastructure, particularly in western Rajasthan.

Additional Chief Secretary – Industries & Commerce and Mines & Petroleum, Government of Rajasthan Mrs. Veenu Gupta said that Rajasthan possesses 80 types of minerals and has become a significant player in India’s petroleum and natural gas sectors, ranking second in natural gas reserves. The recent addition of GIGL and GAIL has addressed the supply network issues in the State. The increasing availability of CNG opens doors for energy-intensive industries in the state. While the glass and ceramic industries have made progress, there is untapped potential, considering the abundant silica sand and clay resources in Rajasthan. The ACS also urged various industries and investors, especially those from Morbi and Ferozabad, to invest in Rajasthan. She said Rajasthan has a strategic location and also an extensive rail and road network. Giving the example of the recently held Invest Rajasthan Summit, she said that out of 4000 MoUs and LoIs signed, over 50% have already commenced or are in the process of being initiated.

Managing Director, RIICO, Mr Sudhir Kumar Sharma said that this conference will help investors in understanding how the variety of natural resources available in abundance in Rajasthan can be more profitability value added by using Natural Gas as fuel. He further stated that RIICO currently possesses a rich basket of 408 industrial areas, developed over more than 50,000 acres of land across the length and breadth of the State. He said that as of now, about 43,000 units are in production in RIICO industrial areas.

Chief Executive Officer, GSPL India Gasnet Ltd (GIGL), Mr Prakash Karnik talked about the benefits to Rajasthan with the investments made by GIGL in the State. He stated that GIGL is investing more than Rs 3,300 Crores in the pipeline infrastructure in the State. He further stated that the statewide gas grid set up by GIGL will provide natural gas pipeline connectivity in more than 11 districts.

Executive Director – Gas Marketing GAIL (India) Ltd, Mr Sumit Kishore talked about how India is the third largest consumer of primary energy after the US and China, and Rajasthan, being the largest state of the country, will be contributing towards the huge demand in the energy sector. He further said that GAIL has covered an area of 900 kms of Rajasthan, connecting various regions of the State via natural gas pipeline.

While the Chairman, FICCI Rajasthan State Council, Mr Randhir Vikram Singh proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion, Advisor, FICCI Rajasthan State Council, Mr Ajay Singha moderated the session. The inaugural session was followed by a Plenary Session on Natural Gas and Industrial Infrastructure Development: Status and Future Plan by City Gas Distribution Companies and Industrial Infrastructure by RIICO in Rajasthan, and a Panel Discussion on the Investment Opportunities for Gas based Industries in Rajasthan.

IMAGE 1: Rajasthan Minister for Industries & Commerce, Ms Shakuntla Rawat addressing the inaugural session.

IMAGE 2: Dignitaries at the dais: (L to R) Mr Ajay Singha, Mr Prakash Karnik, Mr Sandesh Nayak, Mr Sudhir Kumar Sharma, Ms Shakuntla Rawat, Ms Veenu Gupta, Mr Sumit Kishore, Mr Arun Garg, Mr Randhir Vikram Singh