Delhi is now a ''happening place'' says Diskhit

New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated the Delhi Pavilion at India International Trade Fair, 2007, at Pragati Maidan here today.

Inaugurating the pavillon she said, ''The idea is to display all the changes the capital has witnessed over the last few years.'' The pavilion has been projected as a happening place with major infrastructural projects like metro, flyovers, and elevated ring roads, HCBS corridor, low floor modern buses to mention a few, as a major swing.

Ms Dikshit said the city has observed various infrastructure constraints over the last few years necessitating special emphasis on promotion of industries which can achieve optimum level of production without large demands on factory space, power, and also provide employment to skilled personnel.

The thrust is on the establishment of hi-tech, environment friendly, information technology and IT related services in the city, she said.

Apart from this, traditional industries like handicrafts, handloom, leather goods and household industries are also being promoted. The future growth of industries in Delhi will be in line with this approach, she added.

Industry Minister Mangat Ram Singhal said, ''Delhi is bound to emerge as one of the biggest centres of small-scale industries in the country and there is a great need to give right direction for the growth of small-scale industries.'' Mr Singhal said the city has large conglomerate nature to attract commerce, trade and industry and as the capital of the country, it has tremendous comparative advantages in terms of availability of infrastructure, communication facilities, technical and Research and Development institutions.

The network of facilities and linkages induces growth of industry, which by definition is dynamic, and market driven. He assured that the Delhi Government is committed to providing all facilitation for the growth of the small and medium industries.

He further said special emphasis is given on proper housing facility for the industrial workers to give them dignity of living conditions and also to fulfil its social obligation.

Delhi State Industrial Development Corporation (DSIDC) is developing extremely cost-effective multi-storied flats for industrial workers and other members of economically weaker sections in all the new industrial estates and colonies where Delhi Government has allotted land for low cost housing for poor, he said.

Large number of visitors enjoyed the free ride in modern Low Floor Bus introduced by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

UNI