Jaipur, Oct. 17 -- Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday announced that the Rajasthan Foundation's network would expand from 40 to 51 chapters, strengthening outreach to Rajasthanis living across India and abroad. He urged the diaspora to invest in the state and contribute to its development. The Rajasthan Foundation is a non-profit organization established by the state government, to connect Non-Resident Rajasthanis (NRRs) with their home state. Addressing the Pravasi Rajasthani Samvad at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, Sharma said 11 chapters would be added, taking the total to 25 in India and 26 overseas. Rajasthanis joined the programme through video conferencing. "I want to tell expatriate Rajasthanis to come to Rajasthan and invest, big or small," Sharma said, highlighting opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, mining, agriculture and tourism. He said the refinery, built at a cost of Rs.80,000 crore, would drive economic growth and generate employment. Industrial plots were being auctioned and land purchased for private hotels around the project, he added. Sharma claimed Rajasthan had become self-sufficient in electricity and had supplied power to other states over the past four months. The government would work towards ensuring round-the-clock electricity for industries, he said. He said Rajasthan ranked seventh among states in the size of its economy, with gross state domestic product growth exceeding 12%. The state's solar potential and opportunities in green hydrogen and green ammonia could further attract investment, he added. Outlining reforms, Sharma said the time required for micro, small and medium enterprises to obtain consent to operate had been reduced from 120 days to 30 days. The RajNivesh portal offered 190 services across 18 departments to investors, he said. He highlighted regional industrial opportunities, including handicrafts and solar panels in Jodhpur, a defence hub in Kishangarh, an IT hub in Ajmer and ceramic hubs in Chittorgarh and Bikaner. Rajasthan's mineral resources, agricultural output and spice exports also offered scope for growth, he said. On infrastructure, Sharma said the government was pursuing nine green expressways and expanding aviation facilities. Four water agreements had also been signed to improve availability, with water and electricity infrastructure being crucial to the state's development. Beyond investment, Sharma urged the diaspora to promote Rajasthan's cultural heritage and maintain ties with their hometowns. Referring to the "Karmabhoomi to Matribhoomi" initiative, he encouraged Rajasthanis living elsewhere to contribute to development in their places of origin. Deputy chief ministers Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa attended the programme....