‘Tamil Nadu is a strong, silent performer’

Chief Minister E.K. Palaniswami explains how the state has consistently fared well in an interview to Amarnath K. Menon. Excerpts:

Q. How has Tamil Nadu performed so well overall? Tamil Nadu was set on a high growth trajectory by our late CM, J. Jayalalithaa. My cabinet has focused on an economic strategy where industries oriented towards generation of jobs are encouraged. We invest in human resources, focusing on quality outcomes in health and education sectors. Tourism has flourished because of our solid investments in infrastructure and because the state is a haven of peace. Law and order is a top priority for us. Tamil Nadu is a strong, silent performer; it’s no surprise we have emerged on top.

Q. What are the challenges before Tamil Nadu? Natural calamities, job creation, improving economic growth and bringing stability to the primary sector.

Q. What are the key factors that attract business here? Building trust and confidence among investors, a robust infrastructure with excellent port and road connectivity, a skilled work force, an excellent ecosystem for industrial development and a huge market. Along with this, uninterrupted, quality power supply.

Q. Is the state losing out in any sector?

No, it is not. Tamil Nadu was No. 2 in the NITI Aayog innovation index. We have seen fresh investments in all sectors including IT, electronics, automobiles and sunrise sectors like electric vehicle manufacturing, particularly after the Global Investors Meet in January. Recently, I visited the UK, US and UAE. There was overwhelming response from investors there.

Q. Is the government under any pressure from environmental lobbies?

There is no such thing. We are focused on sustainable industrialisation. Tamil Nadu is the ‘yarn bowl’ and ‘leather capital’ of India, and also a leading producer of chemical products. Thousands of industries are successfully operating in these sectors after adhering to environmental standards.

Q. You are travelling again soon to get investments.

I will go to Israel next year to see new technologies for recycling and conservation of water, use of high tech in agriculture and to promote investment in Tamil Nadu.

Q. What does the two recent AIADMK assembly byelection wins signify?

It shows the people’s faith in the AIADMK and our government, and the success of our many welfare schemes.