India, Oct. 30 -- Bikash Narain Mishra

With investment proposals approaching Rs 8 lakh crore, Chhattisgarh has an opportunity to move from a primary-producing economy towards higher-value manufacturing. Execution, jobs and wider regional development will determine success.

For decades, Chhattisgarh has been defined by its mineral wealth, energy resources and industrial base. Once known as the "Dhan Ka Katora" of undivided Madhya Pradesh, it began a new chapter when it became a separate state in November 2000. Successive Governments have sought to transform it from a primary producer and processor into a diversified industrial economy. The challenge is to retain its natural-resource strengths while capturing more value through manufactur...