Jamshedpur: Jharkhand has the potential to develop a defence corridor on the lines of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, provided the state government demonstrates strong political will, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said on Wednesday.
Addressing the Defence Expo-cum-State Level MSME Conclave at the Adityapur Auto Cluster, Seth said Jharkhand is rich in mineral resources, has a favourable environment, and is home to cosmopolitan cities—factors that make it suitable for a defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The two-day Defence Expo and conclave is being jointly organised by the Adityapur Small Industries Association, Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce, and Laghu Udyog Bharati. Speaking at the inaugural session, Seth said India has nearly four crore MSMEs, but only about 16,000 are currently linked to the defence sector. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions greater participation of MSMEs and startups in defence production.
Seth said defence corridors could be developed in Jamshedpur, Ranchi, and Bokaro, but stressed that the Jharkhand government must strengthen infrastructure, ensure better roads and law-and-order, and introduce an effective single-window clearance system.
He also expressed disappointment that the Chief Minister could not attend the event. “I had invited the Chief Minister, hoping he would make an announcement on the defence corridor. While the government is seeking investments abroad, local investors and industrialists are preparing to leave Jharkhand,” Seth said.
‘Working to Create a Defence-Friendly Ecosystem’
Seth said it is his personal ambition to establish a defence corridor in Jharkhand during his tenure as Union Minister of State for Defence. “Over the past one-and-a-half years, I have organised an Armoured Forces Expo, an air show, the East Tech Defence Expo, and now a Defence Conclave in Jamshedpur to create a conducive environment for defence manufacturing,” he said, adding that contributing to the defence sector is a matter of pride.
Concern Over Kidnapping Incident
The Union minister also expressed concern over the kidnapping of young entrepreneur Kairav Gandhi. He said the incident has distressed both the general public and the business community. “A young man who returned to the industrial city after completing his studies has been abducted. I pray for his safe return,” he said.
Seth urged the state government to create a secure environment to boost investor confidence, noting that such incidents adversely affect the morale of entrepreneurs and investors. He added that while police are doing their job, the Chief Minister should personally take cognisance of the matter.
