Policy reforms in economic sectors in Gujarat

Abstract

The chapter discusses major policy reforms and initiatives undertaken by the government of Gujarat in various economic sectors that help to explain the state’s superior performance during the 1990s and 2000s. Specific reform measures are considered in sectors such as agriculture, industry, water, power, road, port, commerce, and communication. Water conservation, massive extension efforts, assured electricity supply to agriculture, and emphasis on high-value crops ensured high annual growth of 6.4% in agriculture with stability in the 2000s. The 2003 and 2009 industrial policies aimed to make Gujarat industries globally competitive and attract mega investment projects into the state. Annual industrial growth rose to 11.8% and the state contributed 24.6% of the national exports in 2010/11. Public‒private partnership in almost all the infrastructure sectors has made the state stand out in terms of quality and quantity of the services.