Deshmukh woos US investors

Seeking to allay fears over the power situation in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has assured investors that steps are being taken by the government to improve infrastructure and make the state more attractive for entrepreneurs.

Addressing a meeting of investors and leading community leaders organised by the New York Indian consulate and India American Chamber of Commerce in New York on Tuesday, he admitted there was a shortfall of about 3,000 MW of power because of 'neglect' of the sector during the last decade.

However, Deshmukh, who is on a fortnight-long visit to the US, said the demands of the industry were being met and any new ventures would not be allowed to suffer because of shortage of power.

Asserting that Maharashtra was "still the most attractive state for entrepreneurs", he said the government was stressing on development of industry as also IT and biotechnology sector which have the "highest potential".

Asked about the aim of his visit, Deshmukh said he wanted to meet investors, both NRIs and Americans, to explain steps being taken to attract investment and offered all possible facilites to investors for their ventures.

To a question about plans for improvement of slum dwellers in Mumbai, Desmukh said his government was only removing those slums, which were in the way of development and residents would be given alternative accommodation in case the slums were destroyed.

While not denying the presence of the mafia in Mumbai, Deshmukh dismissed suggestions that the metropolis was being ruled by it and also said it has 'little grip' over the film industry.