Manufacturing of tanks for army to be undertaken in MP, says CM Yadav

Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 20 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that the state, which was engaged in manufacturing cannon, will now be making tanks for the army.
CM Yadav made the remark while addressing the Regional Industry Conclave held at Subhash Chandra Bose Cultural and Information Center in Jabalpur district on Saturday.
According to an official release, an agreement worth Rs 600 crores was signed between Ashok Leyland and Armored Vehicle Corporation Limited in the presence of Chief Minister Yadav during the conclave.
"An agreement worth Rs 600 crore was signed between Ashok Leyland and Armored Vehicle Corporation Limited in the presence of CM Yadav. It is a significant investment in the defence production sector. It is also a commitment to promote development and innovation in the cooperation sector," statement read in the release.
CM Yadav said, "Till now cannon manufacturing work has been going on for the defence sector in Madhya Pradesh and now tanks will also be made for the army."
"Setting up of industries in various sectors will be the top priority. New industries will come up in textile, defence equipment manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and tourism sectors. An ultra-modern skill development centre will be set up in the textile sector, which will benefit women by offering employment opportunities," the CM said.
During the Jabalpur Regional Industry Conclave, CM Yadav laid the foundation stone for 29 industrial units and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for 38 industrial units, thus initiating a total of 67 units. Investments worth Rs 1500 crores will be made for these units and it will yield employment opportunity to 4500 people.
"After Odisha, Madhya Pradesh is the second state rich in the mineral sector. Transparent processes of auctioning mines have been considered leading in the country. For this, the Government of India has also encouraged them. Diamond cutting will start in the state," CM Yadav said.
The CM urged industrialists to come to Madhya Pradesh and said that the state had encouraging policies in the labour sector.
"In the last two to three years, employment opportunities have increased through universities. There were only five medical colleges in the state, whose number is going to be 25. There is a dense forest area in the state and opportunities will also be realised in this area. As many as 275 units are working in the pharmaceutical sector. There are 60 units in Pithampur alone. Pharmaceutical products are exported to more than 160 countries," CM said.
The state is focusing on the food processing sector. Relief has been given to industries on water and electricity supply. Two mega food parks are coming up. Eight food parks are already operational, he added.
Industrialists from five countries and from various states in the country participated in the Regional Industry Conclave.