Yes, we are pro-business, we will be pro-business: Centre

Union Minister Anant Geete on Thursday said that the accusations of being 'pro-industry' will not deter the Government from supporting the auto components industry as the sector provides employment to lakhs of people in India. "The components industry is a labour-oriented industry and therefore growth of this sector is in nation's interest. We can provide lakhs of jobs through this industry," Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister <g data-gr-id="102">Geete</g> said during the annual session of ACMA here.

"People say that our government is pro-industry. We don't need to bother about that as we are giving employment to lakhs of people due to <g data-gr-id="117">industry</g>. We need to support industry. If industry moves 

ahead, the country moves ahead," he added.

He said that good days are coming for the auto components industry. "In the coming days for entire automotive industry <g data-gr-id="101">acche</g> din are coming. Only one year has gone and still four years are left (for the government)," he said. He added that despite challenges, the Indian auto component industry is moving forward.

"I know what challenges automotive sector is facing. The industry is facing <g data-gr-id="123">difficult</g> time. I want to tell you that whatever cooperation is required from the government we will give it to the industry," <g data-gr-id="99">Geete</g> said. He added that the government would provide all kind of support to the industry for electrical vehicles."Now <g data-gr-id="119">whole</g> world is focusing on <g data-gr-id="120">environment</g>. So in this regard we are getting ahead with electrical vehicles. In this regard whatever is expected from government, we are going to give it," <g data-gr-id="100">Geete</g> said.

Sharpening focus on infrastructure development to boost growth, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said at the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association annual convention that the Government will invest Rs 8.5 lakh crore in Indian Railways to change the face of the sector. 

He also appealed to the opposition parties to help pass the GST bill that will usher in a new indirect taxes regime in the country, boosting business activity.

Sinha said the government is "very focused" on infrastructure. "After a decade of chronic <g data-gr-id="103">under investment</g> in Indian Railways we have decided we will invest Rs 8.5 lakh crore in Indian railways alone. This is extraordinary and will change the face of railways in India," he said.

Also, investment in roads has been doubled this year. He did not provide investment details. Sinha said it was a "deep disappointment" that the GST Constitution Amendment Bill could not be passed in the last session of Parliament.

"(I am) appealing to the opposition that we recognise that we have a rock solid national consensus to pass the Good and Services Tax and we can get this constitutional amendment passed and really improve prospects to do business in India," he said. He said the government will work with "all our colleagues in Parliament to get the GST Constitution Amendment Bill passed".

The minister said land reforms are aimed at making it easier to get the land necessary for <g data-gr-id="127">public</g> purpose primarily road, Highways and railways. "We are also looking at what all can we do as 

far as ease of doing business in India is concerned as this will be <g data-gr-id="125">priority</g> for Make In India," he added.