Vibrant Gujarat Investment Plans Summit 2014 on Science and Technology Sector

16th January 2014 –

15th February 2014

Inside this issue

Focal Point : “Science and Technology”

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

Events Calendar

Explore Gujarat : “Archeological Sites of Gujarat”

Contact Us

1

2

3

4

5

Fact File

• Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, eminentscientist from Gujarat, isknown as “Father of India’sSpace Programme” and hasplayed a major role in theestablishment of ISRO, PRLand IIM-A.

• Institute of SeismologicalResearch (ISR), located inGandhinagar, is the onlyinstitute in India fullydedicated to seismologicalresearch.

• Gujarat is the leading Stateacross India in e-transactionand accounts for over 21% ofall e-transactions recordedon 'eTaal‘.

From The Desk

S. J. Haider, IAS

Secretary,Department of Science and Technology,

Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar

Since the times of Aryabhatta, India has contributed significantly to the world’s scientific development. Inthis hi-tech era, everywhere we look, we realize how science and technology has become ubiquitous inour daily lives. It is hence a matter of great pleasure for me to be associated with this issue of the VibrantGujarat newsletter, which focuses on the developments in the area of science and technology in Gujarat.

Gujarat has been one of the pioneering states in spearheading innovative projects and models in fields ofscience and technology. Government of Gujarat has adopted innovative, constructive and result orientedprogressive policies for the promotion of Science & Technology in the State. We have taken a number ofmeasures to make career in science more attractive. This has inspired and encouraged the youth in ourState to take up research in different avenues of science and technology. We have worked to create asynergy of academia with research, research with industry, industry with economy and economy with thewell-being of our people.

To help realize Gujarat’s goals in terms of scientific development via well planned strategies andinitiatives, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) was established by the State Government in2002. DST plays a pivotal role in the promotion of Science & Technology in the State. The department haswide ranging activities from promoting high end research, providing services for simplified governance,promoting investments in emerging technology areas, aiding development for appropriate skills andimplementing key policies and initiatives to boost, support and facilitate innovation and development.

The State Government intends to pursue the innovation agenda to develop technologies and to identifyareas where science and technology can be used for the socio-economic development of the State.Unique initiatives and programs for developing scientific environment in Gujarat, along with the details ofthe organizations under DST are covered in this edition of the newsletter. I hope this edition gives thereaders an interesting overview of Gujarat’s contemporary Science & Technology scenario.

01

Focal Point

02

Science and Technology

The importance of Science and Technology in contemporary society is demonstrated by its use in our daily lives. We live and work in structures given to us by science and technology. We are transported around on the ground, across the water and in the air by vehicles that are the direct result of science and technology. Modern societies are literally built on science and technology. From the smallest needle to the largest ship to the finest rockets, everything is a gift of science and technology. Science and technology makes quality of life better and steers the progress of the society for the better.Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy. In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the Science and Technology system, it is necessary to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology.

Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of Gujarat, with the vision to popularize and promote scientific temper among masses, particularly the youth and students and to encourage them to take up scientific research and application of emerging technologies as their career paths constituted DST in 2002. DST is responsible for formulation and implementation of policies for the fields pertaining to Science & Technology in the State. DST also acts as the anchor organization for promoting e-governance initiatives in the State.Gujarat has been a pioneering State in leveraging ICT for better service delivery to its citizens and has emerged as one of the most e-Ready States in the country. To reach its maximum potential, DST has constituted six unique organizations which are helping the department in their focus areas.

Gujarat Informatics Limited (GIL) is the nodal agency for implementing E-Governance initiatives in the state along with playing a role of consultant and providing hardware and software consultancy to various Government Departments in their IT procurement.

Through e-Governance initiatives like SWAGAT, Apno Taluka Vibrant Taluka (ATVT), e-Jamin and eGujCop and core infrastructure like Gujarat State Wide Area Network (GSWAN) and Gujarat State Data Centre (GSDC) have facilitated in improving department’s service delivery and empowered citizens. Some of the major initiatives undertaken by GIL in the e-Governance sphere are highlighted below.

Gujarat has always believed in supporting and promoting science and technology for that is a base for growth of any society. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, one of the finest scientists that Gujarat has given to India is regarded as the father of India’s space programme. He established the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which has put India on the world map among the leaders in space technology. He also played pivotal role in the foundation of Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A). Gujarat has always managed to stay ahead in the race of progress and its contribution to the fields of science and technology cannot go unnoticed.

Focal Point

03

Gujarat State Wide Area Network ( GSWAN ) is country’s first robust State Wide Area Network and biggest in Asia. An end-to-end IP based network with 1 Gigabyte per second bandwidth, is the backbone of all e-Governance activities in Gujarat. It serves about 35,000 nodes, connecting more than 4400 District and Taluka level Government offices in 33 districts and 247 Talukas with the State headquarters.

Gujarat State Data Centre (GSDC) was the first operational SDC in India. It is a critical infrastructure component for consolidation & hosting of e-Governance applications of different government departments in Gujarat. Over 215 Government websites and applications of 26 departments have been hosted and are running successfully with 99.74% uptime.

Sachivalaya Integrated Communication Network (SICN) is the biggest network of its kind in Asia with 150 kms of Optical fiber catering to the voice, data & video communication needs in the State. At present with 8157 voice and 8000 data connections, the project has enabled faster & better communication within all the Government offices.

e-GRAM (Gram Rural Accounting Management Software) – VISHWAGRAM - provides e-Connectivity to all gram panchayats which has led to digital inclusion. Through this initiative, for the first time in Asia, Panchayati-Raj Institutions are offered broadband linkage, a revolutionary breakthrough in communication technology. Computerization & inter-connection of 26 District Panchayats, 225 Taluka Panchayats, 13685 Village Panchayats has been completed through GSWAN.

Apno Taluko Vibrant Taluko (ATVT) aims on decentralization of the administration up to sub-district (Taluka) level to make it speedier, effective, transparent, and citizen centric.

State Wide Attention on Grievances through Application of Technology (SWAGAT ) is the first online four-tier grievance redressal programme acknowledged by UN Public Service Award. Through this scheme, grievances received at the Chief Minister’s Office are scrutinized, registered and instantly transmitted as well as processed and resolved. The geographical scope covers all of the 55 million citizens and 225 talukas of the State.

eGujCop (Home Department integrated IT solution) is first of its kind initiative in India which integrates IT in the working of home department. It is available at more than 1100 locations which includes 450 Police Stations, 59 CPI offices, 35 CP / SP Offices and 60 SDPO’s .

Some other notable initiatives would include Hospital Management Information System (HMIS), E-City, E-Procurement, eXtended Green Node (XGN), Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP), IWDMS (Integrated workflow and Document Management System), Gujarat VAT (Value Added Tax) Information System, etc.

Major contributing e-Governance services in Gujarat

Focal Point

04

Govt. of Gujarat constituted Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) to promote the biotechnology sector in the State by supporting the development of biotechnology industries, facilitating infrastructure development and R&D activities and by taking effective policy measures.

GSBTM along with GIDC has developed a Biotech Park in Vadodara to provide well developed infrastructure and amenities to encourage R&D activities. GSBTM has also taken some exemplary initiatives including Gujarat Genomics Initiative (GGI), Gujarat Biodiversity Gene Bank (BioGene), Marine Bio-Resource Centre (MBRC) which constantly strive to put Gujarat among the biotech leaders in the world.

Gujarat Council of Science and Technology (GUJCOST) focuses on development of technologies appropriate to and in harmony with present conditions. The Council has been catalyzing interaction between developers and users of technologies by bringing scientists and engineers closer to the policy makers and administrator.

Gujarat Council of Science City is a bold initiative which aims to provide a perfect blend of education and entertainment. The council aims to develop a world class Science City to create scientific temper in the community especially among youth and children. Popularization of science has been given a priority for knowledge-driven economic growth. For the same purpose weeklong Science Carnival to celebrate the National Science Day and other such events are organized each year.

Science City, located in Ahmedabad, aims to showcase contemporary and imaginative exhibits, ignite & inspire minds through experiences, working models, virtual reality, activity corners, labs and live demonstrations. This provides an enhanced understanding of science and technology to the common man.

The flagship initiative of the department is “Gujarat Nano Mission”. Reckoning the massive opportunities in future of nanotechnology, the department has established six Centre of Excellence (COE) at Bhavnagar University, Saurashtra University, Gujarat University, MS University of Baroda, Sardar Patel University and Dharmsinh Desai University. For popularization of science among school students, GUJCOST has formulated 2000 Gujarat Science Clubs spread across the state which explain, exhibit and demonstrate scientific activities and induct observational, logical and analytical approach among school students. Also Gujarat State Innovation Council has been established to nurture the potential of innovation so as to aid the inclusive growth of the state.

Focal Point

05

Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG) facilitates the use of spatial and geo-spatial technologies for the planning and developmental activities pertaining to Agriculture, Land and Water Resource Management, Wasteland & Watershed Development, Forestry, Disaster Management, Infrastructure and Education. With the help of support provided by BISAG more than 900 projects have been done by students of various institutes.

Geographical Information System is a unique software developed by BISAG which enables the manipulation of spatial data. The system focuses on facilitating the map based decision support system at grass-root level.

Gujarat has not only created a strong base for research and innovations in science and technology but has also used the advancements in technology for making society better through implementation of various initiatives. With change in the mindset of people and growing inclination of students towards technology, more people are joining the field of scientific research and technology fueling the growth of Gujarat. Gujarat endeavours to be the leader in the sector of science and technology through these various research facilities and government bodies.

Gujarat SATCOM Network is a satellite communication network service consisting of a subsidiary network of various educational institutions, government departments, voluntary agencies etc to facilitate easier and faster distant interaction in the developmental and educational activities of the state. Gujarat SATCOM Network was set up to meet with the ever increasing need of distant interactive education, development, training and extension. The SATCOM facility comprises an uplink earth station, control room, TV studio, and a networkof receiving classrooms. This facility is used to provide distant interaction statewide.

Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) is a unique initiative of DST and is the only institute in India fully dedicated to seismological research. ISR performs research and makes observations that provide the scientific basis for earthquake hazard reduction and emergency response. The focus areas of R&D are earthquake monitoring program, seismic microzonation, tsunami modeling etc.

SATCOM Network: Receiving Classrooms in Gujarat

Calorx plans INR 400 crore investment

January 16, 2014

Calorx Foundation is planning investments to the tune of INR 400 crore over the next four years to increase the number of quality education providing schools from 35 to 100 across Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan through the franchisee and joint venture routes.

The Foundation has also tied up with Bangalore-based Ace Creative Learning Pvt Ltd to coach students for the joint entrance examinations (JEE) for professional courses in the new State Board-affiliated schools. Manjula Pooja Shroff, Chairperson, Calorx Foundation said that the State Boards are okay with our arrangement with Ace. She further added that after the success of the foundation’s business model of joint ventures and franchisees at different places, the Mumbai-based Kaizen Equity Fund had picked up 22 per cent stake in Calorx’s group company Altus in 2013, investing INR 25 crore on a valuation of nearly INR 100 crore. Altus manages the schools’ infrastructure and non-academic requirements.

The first Gujarat Board-affiliated school of Calorx to run Ace tutorials will open this year in Ahmedabad. It will offer integrated education in higher secondary classes and career placement plans as well. However, students of both the CBSE and State Boards will have common courses until the 10th standards. Over the next five years, the Foundation will also open 25 CBSE-affiliated public schools.

Gujarat’s textile policy attracts yarn makers from south

January 16, 2014

Due to frequent power cuts in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, yarn makers have found a

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

helping hand in Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) which is assisting them to build shift to the power abundant state of Gujarat. The industry body is helping the South India based yarn makers to scout affordable land to build a yarn cluster in Gujarat.

The interest subsidy and subsidized power tariff under the Gujarat Textile Policy proved to be very attractive and several yarn makers from south have submitted proposals to the state government for setting up spinning units in Gujarat worth capacity of over 5 million spindles.

Sudhakar, owner of Sudha Agro, said that in terms of power costs alone, setting up a spinning unit will be INR 6-8 cheaper than in the southern states. The Andhra Pradesh based yarn maker is looking at a capacity of 15,000 spindles at an investment of INR 45 crore.

Similarly, Satya Spintex, again based out of Andhra Pradesh, is also looking at setting up a spinning unit of a capacity of 16,000 spindles. Ravidhar of Satya Spintex said that they are being assisted by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) committee of GCCI in their plans to shift the base to Gujarat.

The state government is also assisting the interested yarn makers in availing funding for the project. According to industry sources, investments worth over INR 4500-5000 crore could be seen in the next one or two years in the spinning segment alone.

Prantij to house new semiconductor unit

January 22, 2014

Prantij in Sabarkantha district has been picked as the location for setting up of a new semiconductor wafer fabrication (FAB) manufacturing facility in the state. AdditionalChief Secretary (ACS) of the state's industry

06

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

07

(Israel) in Greater Noida. The outlay of the proposed FAB is about INR 26,300 crore. The two FABs will create direct employment of about22,000 and indirect employment of about one lakh.

Prakash Steelage to set up industrial park in Gujarat

January 23, 2014

Prakash Steelage will invest INR 70 crore to set up Krishna Industrial Park (KIP) in Umbergaon in Gujarat to meet the growing demands of upcoming SMEs in the state. KIP will provide infrastructure ready industrial plots for factories, warehouses, workshops and service stations.

Prakash Steelage Chairman and MD, Prakash Kanugo said that the park is targeted at small and medium enterprises such as textile industries, stainless steel, metal, packaging, plastic manufacturing, automobiles, food and agriculture, minerals and cold storages. He further added that the company hopes to post INR 1,000 crore turnover in FY14 as compared to INR 850 crore in FY13. Kargwal Group MD, Devang Varma said that the Valsad-Umbergaon industrial area has been identified as an emerging industrial hub which makes it an attractive destination for companies from Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The KIP will offer good connectivity to ports and highways and has an exclusive loading and unloading area along with ample parking space.The plots are offered in the range of 427 squaremeters to 3,325 square meters. The project is expected to be ready in the next two years.

Prakash Steelage is engaged in the manufacturing of seamless and welded stainless tubes and U-tubes from its two factories in Umbergaon in Gujarat and Silvassa.

department said that the facility is expected to attract more than INR 22,000 crore investments in the region. INR 6,000 crore will be invested by the central government.

Shri Maheshwar Sahu, ACS, Industries and Mines Department said that the union government has selected 1,000 acre of land for setting up the facility in Prantij, 15 km from Ahmedabad. The project is expected to begin soon.

The Government of India had approved setting up of two semiconductor wafer fabrication (FAB) manufacturing facilities in the country in September last year. One of the units was proposed to be set up in Gujarat. These FAB facilities are expected to provide big boost to the electronics system design and manufacturing eco-system in the country.

Hindustan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (HSMC) along with ST Microelectronics (France/Italy) and Silterra(Malaysia) will set up their units at the electronicpark. The outlay of the proposed FAB is aboutINR 25,250 crore for the FAB facility of 40,000 wafer starts per month of 300 mm size, using advanced CMOS technology. HSMC has been roped in as electric and IT partner for the project, while Siemens and Fairwood Consultant will be the design and architect partner.

The other unit will be set up by Jaiprakash Associates along with IBM (USA) and Tower Jazz

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

08

Multi-level parking project planned in Gujarat

January 23, 2014

IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd has said that a concession agreement has been signed between the company, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Ltd and GIFT Parking Facilities Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary, for the development of a multi-level car parking at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, on BOOT basis. The project involves design, development, finance, construction, operation and maintenance of the project for a period of 30 years.

The multi-level car park that comprises 16 floors, including retail space at the ground floor, will have a capacity of approximately 5,400 car parking space. In a filing to the BSE, the company has said that the total project cost is around INR 350 crore.

The concession allows the right to allocate 80 per cent of the total parking space to the lessee/developers of various buildings in the GIFT City for parking use at a mutually agreed price and the remaining 20 per cent of parking space shall be made available as a paid parking facility to the visitors to the GIFT City. The revenue shall also be generated from leasing of retail space.

Honda buys land for fourth unit in Gujarat

January 23, 2014

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) recently bought 200 acres in the Mandal region at 15-20 lakh an acre near the site of the proposed Maruti Suzuki plant to set up a fourth manufacturing unit in the country. The company plans to invest upwards of INR 1,000 crore on the project.

HMSI also filed an Industrial Entrepreneurial Memorandum with the department of industrial policy and promotion in the Union ministry of commerce & industry for a unit to manufacture scooters and scooterettes in Gujarat.

According to a government source the company’s proposal has been approved by the chief secretary and is awaiting an approval from the sub-committee for a State Support Agreement (SSA). After that the proposal will be moved to the state cabinet. Gujarat offers certain standard incentives for all projects entailing an investment of INR 1,000 crore, such as value-added tax refunds and waivers on stamp duty and registration fee.

HMSI has three facilities in India — at Manesar in Haryana (with a capacity of 1.6 million units annually), at Tapukara in Rajasthan (1.2 million units annually) and at Narsapura in Karnataka (1.2 million units annually in phase one). The company plans to add another 600,000 units at the Karnataka unit, taking its capacity to 1.8 million units annually, within this financial year. With this expansion, HMSI will increase its cumulative annual production capacity by 64 per cent to 4.6 million units in 2013-14 from 2.8 million in 2012-13.

Tata Communications consortium to set up data centre, invest INR 150 crore in Gujarat

January 23, 2014

Tata Communications, in a consortium with Newgen Holdings, Newgen ITeS and Centios, will

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

09

invest INR 150 crore to set up a data centre atGujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), a financial hub in the state. Built over a land parcel of 4,147 square meters, the data centre building will be a ground + 4 structure with each floor having an area of 12,800 square feet and total capacity to accommodate 900 racks.

GIFT, which is India's first globally-benchmarked international financial services centre (IFSC), will see the consortium set up and manage one of the country's largest green data centres. The data centre is expected to be operational by June 2015.

Officials from GIFT said that the concessionaire, 'Smart ICT Services', will undertake the establishment, management, and operation of ICT infrastructure, services and platforms within GIFT on a build, own and operate (BOO) basis.

Tata Communications CFO, Sanjay Baweja said that the Tier IV Data Centre that Tata Communications is setting up will add enhanced capabilities and capacity to the world class infrastructure currently being rolled out for the financial community by GIFT City. MD and CEO of GIFT, Ramakant Jha said that the data centre will facilitate a flawless and readily available business environment for the various agencies located in GIFT.

Hero starts work on Gujarat plant

January 25, 2014

Hero MotoCorp, the country’s largest two-wheeler maker, has started building the boundary wall at the site of its upcoming plant at Halol near Vadodara in Gujarat. The company aims to build the plant in 15 months.

A company spokesperson said that the investment in proposed fifth plant at Halol will be to the tune of INR 1,100 crore. He further

mentioned that 175 acres of the 215 agreed in the SSA (state support agreement) with the Gujarat government have already been allotted and the remaining land would be allotted in a month or two. He also said that construction of the plant will begins soon and the plant will go on stream sometime in the financial year 2015-16.

Senior company officials had visited the state recently to hold a review meeting and discuss details of SSA with the government. The plant will have an annual capacity of 1.8 million vehicles a year.

Hero MotoCorp has three factories — in Gurgaon, Dharuhera (Haryana) and Haridwar (Uttarakhand). The combined installed capacity of these is close to seven million two wheelers a year. The company has started building its fourth plant in Neemrana (Rajasthan), which will have an installed capacity of 750,000 vehicles a year and is expected to be operational soon.

Afcons Infrastructure eyes bigger role in LNG terminal space

January 25, 2014

Afcons Infrastructure Ltd., having successfully completed the EPC (engineering procurement and construction) work at the Kochi LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal of Petronet LNG Ltd., is eying a big role in the construction of LNG terminals in India.

Company Vice-Chairman and Managing Director K. Subrahmanian said that receiving station (LNG jetty), storage facility (huge tanks) and re-gasification facility for clients have been built. Out of seven operating LNG tanks in India, four have been constructed. He further added that at Kochi, Afcons was the only Indian company involved in the construction of the terminal facility, besides CTCI Corporation from Taiwan

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

10

and IHI of Japan. He also said that since LNG is a cleaner source of energy, the government was trying to double the LNG consumption and it would require construction of more LNG terminals.

Two LNG project are being developed; one at the Gangavaram Port in Andhra Pradesh, another at coming up at the Ennore Port in Tamil Nadu.

In Gujarat, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation is planning one LNG terminal. Mr. Subrahmanian also said that they are planning to put up a terminal at the Chhara Port in Gujarat.

Projects worth INR 15,000 crore cleared

January 26, 2014

As many as seven projects worth more than INR 15,000 crore were cleared in Gujarat. These projects include those of Essar Power, ONGC, Cairn India, multi product economy zone, IOCL, among others.

The project monitoring group was set up by the central government for faster clearance of projects worth more than INR 1,000 crore. The group co-ordinates with ministries and other agencies to get clearances for projects. Almost 40% of the projects had issues related to environment.

To facilitate faster clearance of projects worth less than INR 1,000 crore, the Gujarat government will set up its own project monitoring group on the lines of the monitoring group set up by Centre. Six states, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, have already set the project monitoring groups.

Around 411 projects worth INR 19.32 lakh crore had 1008 issues due to which they were held up. Of 1008, 394 were state government related

issues, 195 pertaining to coal and 175 related to environment. In January 2013, project monitoring group had helped cleared 137 projects. In the remaining 235 projects, there are 560 issues (93 environment and 58 coal related). No action has been taken on 27 projects due to fuel availability and legal issues.

EU partners with India for offshore wind development

January 27, 2014

The Global Wind Energy Council wants to partner with India for offshore wind development and has identified two states —Gujarat and Tamil Nadu — for special focus.

The Council, a global trade body comprising over 1,500 members from 70 countries, is providing a grant of Euro 4 million from European Union’s Indo-European Cooperation on Renewable Energy Programme. According to a press release from the Council, a 4-year project supported by the grant has been announced to look at the challenges and opportunities presented by offshore wind.

Globally, although onshore wind is now a mature, competitive and mainstream energy generation source, offshore wind is still in a relatively early stage of development. Most of the 6 GW of capacity installed is in the North Sea, Baltic and Irish Seas. The only other substantial market is in China, although there is some movement in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United States.

11

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

Alok Srivastava, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, said that the MNRE is also working towards the introduction of National Offshore Wind Energy Policy in India.

As with all new technologies, the capital costs are high, and there is still a great deal of technical and management learning required to bring the costs down to competitive levels. One of the goals of the project will be to learn as much as possible from the European experience to ensure that when India ventures offshore, it does so in the most effective way possible.

The partners for the project, The World Institute for Sustainable Energy, based in Pune, will hostthe project management unit, and focus on Gujarat; The Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy, based in Bangalore will focus on the State of Tamil Nadu; DNV-GL, the world’s largest renewable energy consultancy, through its Bangalore-based subsidiary, will provide its long expertise in the offshore industry.

Government mulls setting up solar, wind power project in Gujarat

January 29, 2014

The Centre is looking at setting up a solar and wind power project in Gujarat at the land available with state-owned Hindustan Salts.

Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Praful Patel, said that Hindustan Salt has 20,000 acre land in Gujarat, where solar and wind power project of 4,000 MW or more generation capacity are proposed to be set up.

He added that it is totally feasible as the topography is suitable for production of solar power and preliminary studies on the feasibility of the proposed plant are on. He further mentioned that once the studies are made

available they would go ahead with the Gujarat project.

German MNC to invest INR 1,000 crores in Dahej

January 31, 2014

A delegation led by the director of German multi-national chemical industries-BASF Dr Kurt Bock along with his senior officials met Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

Dr Kurt said that BASF is one of the largest chemical companies in the world and has set up its Green Field Chemicals Industrial Project worth INR 1,000 crore at Dahej PCPIR in Gujarat and its commercial production will be rapidly taking off quite soon.

Tata Global to take PepsiCo JV products to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh

January 31, 2014

NourishCo, the 50:50 joint venture between Tata Global Beverages (TGB) and PepsiCo, will take its fortified water Tata Water Plus to Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh in the next fiscal. The move comes in the wake of TGB's endeavour to widen the footprint of the JV's products, notably Himalayan and Tata Water Plus, which are products added by it in the company. The third

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

12

Gujarat gets INR 1,534 crore NABARD loan for infra development

February 3, 2014

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned INR 1,533.90 crore as loan for creation of critical infrastructure such as irrigation and construction of warehouses in Gujarat. This includes a major irrigation project of the Kutch Branch Canal System for which INR 1,407 crore has been sanctioned under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund XIX (RIDF-XIX).

When completed, the project will provide irrigation facility to over 1.75 lakh hectares of cultivable command area in Kutch district. The project is to be implemented by the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd, a Gujarat Government undertaking.

M K Mudgal, Chief General Manager, NABARD said that the total balance cost of the project is INR 3094 crore. With this, the total loan sanctioned under the fund to Gujarat aggregates to INR 1,800 crore during 2013-14, the highest-ever sanctioned amount in a single tranche to the State Government. The cumulative sanction of loan assistance to Gujarat from RIDF-I to XIX has now increased to INR 14,140.86 crore, against which INR 10,552.88 crore has been utilised.

NABARD has also sanctioned INR 126.72 crore to Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation for a maiden project under NABARD’s Warehousing Scheme for construction of 68 new warehouses and related infrastructure. On completion, it would create storage capacity of 1.23 lakh tonnes in rural and semi-urban areas of 21 districts of the State.

product Tata Gluco Plus, a glucose drink, has been created by PepsiCo.

Ajoy Misra, executive director and deputy CEO, mentioned that Tata Water Plus and Tata GlucoPlus, will see a similar trajectory moving to more cities within Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where it is currently available, besides expanding to new states in the country. He further added that that the company will continue scouting for acquisitions and opportunities to strike alliances and JVs in specialty teas, coffee and water.

GSPC to invest INR 800 crore for piped gas supply in Jamnagar, Dwarka

31 Jan, 2014

Energy Minister, Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel saidthat GSPC Gas Company, a part of State-promoted Gujarat State Petroleum CorporationLtd (GSPC) Group, will supply natural gasthrough pipelines to Jamnagar and Dwarkadistricts.

GSPC Gas will invest INR 800 crore in the nextfive years on laying a pipeline network in a10,600 square km area in the two districts onIndia’s western coast. This would benefit 3.70lakh domestic, commercial, and small industrialcustomers. Besides, GSPC Gas will also set upCNG stations for supplying gas to vehicles.

With this, the GSPC Group will be supplying gasto a total of nine lakh customers in 15 districtsof Gujarat through its three subsidiaries – GSPCGas, Sabarmati Gas and Gujarat Gas.

After a competitive bidding to supply gas to Jamnagar and Dwarka, GSPC Gas won authorization from the sector regulator Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), which has authorized the company to lay a network of pipelines.

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

13

Gujarat Government to offer lignite for SMEs via NSIC

February 6, 2014

The state government is considering allocating lignite directly to SMEs through the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) from Rajpardi mines in near Bharuch. According to government officials, the state government has given in-principle approval to the plan, which will ensure cheap fuel for the small industries. The government has appointed NSIC, a government of India enterprise as nodal agency to distribute lignite among the small units.

Shri. P K Jha, regional head, NSIC (Ahmedabad) said that the units will place their demand and subsequently NSIC will inform GMDC to supply lignite to the concerned unit. As per the agreement the delivery is to be made within 48 hours of the submission of the request by the unit. He further informed that NSIC will provide weak units a 90-day repayment cycle with interest rate of 11.95 per cent, much below the 14.5 per cent interest rate charged under stock hypothecation by banks.

According to a GMDC source the management has given in-principle approval and shall begin supplying after a final decision. GMDC will supply about 40,000 metric tonnes of lignite periodically from its Rajpardi mines.

The state government’s move is seen as a boost for the growth of small industries in the state. Textiles, chemicals, dyes and processing units in the south and central parts of Gujarat are likely to benefit from the move.

Paresh Patel, past president, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said that it is important that the units get lignite in a shorter time and at much cheaper rate than the premiums charged by other suppliers. He further added that this will reduce the cost of

production and make the units competitive.

World Bank inks USD 175 million pact for Gujarat road project

February 12, 2014

The World Bank and the government has signed a loan pact under which the multi-lateral lending institution will provide USD 175 million to fund a second highways project (GSHP-II) in Gujarat.According to a Finance Ministry release, the loan agreement has been signed between the Government of India and the World Bank.

The loan agreement, signed between Nilaya Mitash, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions), Department of Economic Affairs, and Onno Ruhl, Country Director (India), World Bank will help modernise highways financing and institutions, and improve asset management performance among others. It will also help improve the road safety management framework in the state as well as access to some of the poorer tribal regions.

The project agreement was signed by P P Vakharia, Chief Engineer, Roads & Building Department, on behalf of the state government of Gujarat. According to the agreement, the project would directly improve the condition, capacity and safety of about 625 kilometers (km) of the 6,444 km core state road network. Local businesses and inhabitants in the area of influence of the project roads as well as users of the project roads will be direct beneficiaries of the project.

The roads identified for improvement of the project pass through 16 districts with a population of 3.8 crore. The loan will be extended for a period of five years. It will be implemented by State Government Department of Roads & Building.

14

Events Calendar

The aim of the event was to showcase the latest technologies and attract foreign companies to enter Indian markets by providing a meeting place for buyers and sellers from across the world. The event included numerous seminars along with buyer-seller meet, global sourcing meet and workshops.

The event observed around 500 domestic and foreign exhibitors, almost 10000 visitors and participation from over 1000 foreign delegates.

International Conference on “Human Genetics & 39th Annual Meeting of Indian Society of Human Genetics”

January 22-25, 2014

On the theme of Healthy Genes – Healthy Life, The International Conference on “Human Genetics & 39th Annual Meeting of Indian Society of Human Genetics (ISHG)” was held at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

During the inaugural session, various publications were released by the dignitaries on the dais. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, graced the event and delivered an informative keynote address.

A total of 72 papers and 192 posters were presented under various themes such as CancerGenetics, Genetic Basis of Reproductive Disorders, Complex Diseases, Single Gene Disorders, etc. Around 600 participants from 30 different countries were part of the conference.

Companies Act 2013: Changing Landscape in Corporate Social Responsibility

January 20, 2014

The iNDEXTb along with KPMG as the Knowledge Partner and CII as the National Partner had organized a Half Day Session on ‘Companies Act-2013-Changing Landscape in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)’. Senior bureaucrats from the Government of Gujarat,eminent Industrialists, legal advisors, finance advisors and NGOs graced the event.

The event focused on sensitizing the industry about CSR related amendments in Companies Act 2013 and boost corporate participation towards achieving inclusive development. Hon’ble Minister, Energy and Petrochemicals, Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel, inaugurated the event along with other key persons.

The event included two sessions focusing on various aspects of CSR and the cooperation of industries and communities. Around 400 participants were present to grasp the maximum of the discussion.

India Engineering Sourcing Show

January 22-24, 2014

The third edition of IESS was organized by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India along with Engineering Export Promotion Council, India at Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

15

Events Calendar

Seminar and Training Workshopon “Zero Liquid Discharge”

January 27-28, 2014

A two days seminar and training workshop on “Zero Liquid Discharge” was organized by Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) & IAAD (IL&FS Academy of Applied Development) at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. Various industry representatives, policy makers, consultants and regulators were present at the event.

The event included various technical sessions along with a panel discussion. A full day training workshop was organized. The key topics of the technical sessions included concept of ZLD, industrial pollution management, economics of ZLD and case studies.

The event observed nearly 400 participants from across the country at the workshop. An MoU was signed between IL&FS (Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited) and GPCB for transfer of technology.

Water Seminar & Gujarat Water Summit 2014

January31 - February 1, 2014

To address the prevailing key issues and challenges pertaining water space, CII organized “Water Seminar & Gujarat Water Summit 2014” at Courtyard Marriott, Ahmedabad. Australia was the partner country for the event and showcased the strengths of Australian Companies in the Water Sector.

The seminar brought together the best minds in the water sector and provided a platform for sharing of ideas and dissemination of information on best practices.

The major outcomes of the events included need for translational research on new treatment modalities and the impact of genetic testing.

Leadership Summit on ICT- 2014: Cyber Security: Issues and Challenges Towards a more secure security

January 27, 2014

With a theme “Cyber Security: Issues and Challenges, Towards a More Secure Society”, the Leadership Summit on ICT – 2014 was held at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Chief Guest, Shri. Rajni Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Home, Government of Gujarat inaugurated the event along with the dignitaries present.

The event included two technical sessions which focused on finding the ways to build a secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens, businesses and government.

The key takeaways of the event was the need to focus on Cyber Security to move towards a more secure society.

16

Events Calendar

The event also attempted to discuss ways of

enhancing water infrastructure, create awareness and encourage participants to adopt effective water management and conservation measures.

Seminar on “Offshore Wind Power Potential of Gujarat”

February 1, 2014

Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU) in coordination with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Energy and Petrochemicals Department - Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd. organized a one day international seminar on “Offshore Wind Power Potential of Gujarat” at PDPU, Gandhinagar.

The event included three technical sessions which focused on various aspects of offshore wind energy including economics, policy and regulation as well as implementation of strategy for the same. Technical issues and challenges were also discussed by various eminent dignitaries.

The event concluded on a high note with a resolution to explore this opportunity. It observed around 350 participants from India and across the world.

Gujarat Integrated Bio Network [GIBioN] – 2013-14

February 2, 2014

The 25th state level competitions for seminar presentations, article writing, extempore speech, poster presentation, bioquiz and scientific cartoons [BTtoons] for first, second and third year undergraduate students was organized under the banner of GIBioN jointly by Gujarat State BioTechnology Mission, DST and ‘Microbiology Study Circle’, J. & J. College of Science, Nadiad; at J. & J. College Of Science, Nadiad.

The event was inaugurated by chief guest Prof. Harish Padh, Vice Chancellor, Sardar Patel University along with y Guest of Honor, Prof. S. R. Dave, Head, Dept. of Life Sciences, GujaratUniversity and other key dignitaries.

The event concluded with a valedictory session followed by announcement of results and felicitation of the winners.

India Vision 2020 Mega Expo – 101st

Indian Science Congress

February 3-7, 2014

The 1st edition of the India Vision 2020 Mega Expo & 101st Indian Science Congress was organized by K&D Communications at Jammu with the focal theme of “Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive Development”.

Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated 101st Session of Indian Science Congress and Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri. S. JaipalReddy, inaugurated 1st edition of the India Vision

17

Events Calendar

The summit was aimed to integrate the SMEs, policy makers, bankers and large corporate forbuilding better cooperation for enhancement of business partnership. The theme of the event was “Supporting SMEs for Sustainable Growth”.

The summit included Presentation of 3rd Edition of Annual Gujarat SME Excellence Awards. The panel discussions addressed pertaining key issues and challenges related to SMEs.

62nd Indian Foundry Congress

and IFEX 2014 Exhibition

February 7-9, 2014

With increasing importance of foundry in manufacturing sector, the 10th International Exhibition on Foundry Technology, Equipment and materials held simultaneously with Conference on India Foundry Congress in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The 62nd Indian Foundry Congress was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel; Hon’ble Minister, Energy and Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat along with various other eminent leaders.

The three day exhibition in spread in 16000 square meters and 5 different Halls of Mahatma Mandir has more than 290 domestic and international participants.

students from different parts of country enthusiastically came to have a view of the science projects being displayed and enhance their knowledge.

3rd Edition Annual Flagship Activity Gujarat SME Manufacturing Summit

February 7, 2014

Small & Medium Business Development Chamber Of India (SME Chamber Of India) along with India International Trade Centre (IITC-India) organized “Gujarat SME Manufacturing Summit” at Cambay Grand, Ahmedabad.

2020 Mega Expo 2014. Large number of National and International delegates including eminent scientists, industry leaders, technocrats, policy makers, entrepreneurs, innovators and academicians were also present on the occasion.

Various exhibitors showcased their technologies, innovations and achievements in implementation of science and technology during the Mega Expo exhibition.

About 200 young child scientists from various states of the country took part in the event and displayed their science projects. Also, 3,000

18

Events Calendar

Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel, Hon’ble Minister, Energy and Petrochemicals Department, delivered an informative inaugural address. Experts from the textile industry also shared their knowledge and ideas in three succeeding business sessions.

Focus of the seminar was on skill development, flexible policies, export of value added products and modernization in technology. The event observed participation from over 300 well-heeled delegates.

organized a Capacity Building programme on Exports in Jamnagar.

The event was focused on “Gujarat Export competitiveness : Vision 2020”. The emphasis was given on the need and importance of exports for individual businessman and also for the state and country.

The event was attended by senior Government officials of Gujarat & entrepreneurs. Around 50 participants were benefited from this event, majority of which being leading industrialists.

Textile Investment Conclave 2014

February 11, 2014

CITI (Confederation of Indian Textile Industry) organized “Textile Investment Conclave 2014” to explore the possibility of investments in various segments of the textile value chain in Gujarat.

The event had observed huge participation from more than 1300 delegations, 500 engineering students and more than 290 exhibitors across the world.

UMMAT Business Conclave

February 7-9, 2014

A three days “UMMAT Business Conclave”, organized by Muslim businessmen, was held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad.

The theme of the conference was Business Harmony. Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi was the chief guest. He emphasized that the need of adapting to a growth model which ensured equality for everybody, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. He stressed security, equality, prosperity and equity as the four most important pillars of Gujarat's growth story.

Around 50 exhibitors set up stalls showcasing their products. The participants ranged from automobile sector to IT to realty. The event observed approximately 20,000 visitors.

Two day workshop on “Capacity Building Program for Export“

February 10-11, 2014

Federation Of India Export Organization, Ahmedabad chapter-WR & iNDEXTb jointly

Archeological Sites of Gujarat

Gujarat abounds in historical and architectural wonders which amaze the onlooker with their sheer beauty and durability against the forces of time. Gujarat’s famous forts, palaces, tombs, temples and mosques have been meticulously preserved, and are a major attraction in any tourist’s itinerary today. According to the Archeological Society of India, there are 202 historical monuments in Gujarat. Some of the prominent heritage sites of the state are covered in this edition’s Explore Gujarat section.

Champaner – Pavagadh:

Champaner – Pavagadh Archeological Park has been demarcated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2004. It is located around the historical city of Champaner, a city which was built by Sultan Mahmud Begada. The region is believed to have been influenced by a number of cultures over time, starting from the Indian Puranic ages, the Rajputs, the Marathas, the Islamic influences and finally the British rule.

The Kalika Mata Temple, located on top of Pavagadh Hill, at 762 m above sea level is an important Hindu shrine which attracts a large number of pilgrims throughout the year. The temple is the oldest in the region, estimated to be dated from the 11th century.

19

Explore Gujarat

Dholavira:

Dholavira is one of the two largest Harappan sites in India, and 5th largest in the subcontinent that has excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan culture, dating back to almost 4500 years ago. The ancient site at Dholavira lies in the island of Khadir in Kachchh district of Gujarat, and is surrounded by the Great Rann of Kachchh.

The Dholavira site, was an ancient metropolitan city in Gujarat and has been voted as one of the Seven Wonders of India. Dholavira is especially renowned

for its sophisticated urban planning and architecture, even during such pre – historic periods. All the buildings in Dholavira are almost exclusively built out of brick. Dholavira also has sophisticated water conservation systems, a citadel, a middle town and a lower town, two stadia, and a series of reservoirs all encompassed by an enormous city fortification system.

Lothal:

Lothal, one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization dating back to 2400 BCE was discovered in 1954 by the Archeological Society of India. Lothal's dock—the world's earliest known, was a vital and thriving trade centre in ancient times. As is common to all the sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal shows an acute degree of town planning and trade infrastructure.

Lothal is believed to have had global trade relations with civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. Remains found from Lothal indicate that the region dealt extensively in the

20

Explore Gujarat

trade of ornaments and handicrafts such as terracotta artefacts, necklaces made from

Rani Ki Vav:

The Vav at Patan was constructed during the period of the Solanki or Chalukya, and was called the Rani Ki Vav (Queen’s step well). Similar to the Vav at Adalaj, this stepwell also features intricate carvings and sculptures. Most of the sculptures are in devotion to Vishnu, in the forms of Dus-Avatars Kalki, Rama, Mahisasurmardini, Narsinh, Vaman, Varahi.

Adalaj Ni Vav:

Sarkhej Roza:

The Sarkhej Roza complex is located near Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb to the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, and the palace and pavilions. The buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches and the use of pierced stone trellises throughout.

colourful stones, beads and gems. Seals have also been discovered at Lothal which further emphasize the thriving trade whichwould have

once existed in this region. Town planning, art and culture and even the burial sites in Lothal also suggest the sophistication and thoughtfulness of the people who built this civilization.

The stepwell (Vav) at Adalaj, near Gandhinagar, was built in 1499 by Muslim king MohammedBegda for Queen Rani Roopba, wife of Veer Singh, the Vaghela chieftain. The Vav is intricately carved and is five stories in depth. The wells were also venues for colorful festivals and sacred rituals.

The Vav at Adalaj is one of many such stepwells constructed across the state; the main reason being the need to optimally utilize the water resources in a historically water scarce state. The Vav is mainly octagonal in shape, with each floor having the similar pattern of carvings and decorations.

The Sarkhej Roza complex is believed to have been inspired by the union of both the body and the soul, thus imparting to it the qualities of ahuman being. The complex is again famous for its intricate stone carvings and is one of the best examples of historical campus planning, displaying a synergy between the religious, royal and social worlds.

Industrial Extension Bureau

Block No 182nd Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Sector 11, Gandhinagar -382010Gujarat, India

Phone:+91 79 232 50492+91 79 232 50493+91 79 232 56592

Fax+91 79 232 50490

Mail us [email protected]

Find us on the Web:www.indextb.comwww.vibrantgujarat.com

The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity“ are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International.

Knowledge partner

Contact Us