The Cabinet meeting presided over by CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan 15th Nov 2007, for approval amendments to Industry Augmentation Policy-2004 and some of the provisions of its action plan and related policies of other departments discussed. Approval of the amendments aims at making the policy more effective, but neither the departmental structure decentralized nor Circle Industry Offices constituted at divisional level. Also, exemption in duty for land transfer is not given to entrepreneurs in the growth-centres of MP Industrial Centre Development Corporation or Industrial Areas of Industry Department who under the Special Package facilities could not start a new unit or restart a 'sick' unit or relaunch an industry after purchasing or acquiring it till date. Under the Restoration of Sick Units Scheme or 'Special Package', exemption in stamp duty is awaited on land lease transfer on production of sale-deeds in Growth Centres of MPICDC. MPIR Act and for extending basic amenities Labour Welfare Centres and Night Rest Houses are not established in Industrial Development Centres. ESI Hospital is not established on fulfilment of fixed terms and conditions. CM promised exemption from power cess to those mega projects which invest Rs 25 crore or more in biotechnology industry and use the power generated by their captive power plants for their own use. The industry which employs over 1000 regular employees at one place is not deemed as 'mega project' till date. There is nothing minimum capital investment rider for such industries. Units based on small forest produce are not included in 'Thrust Sector'. Herbal Cosmetic and Natural Product, herbal medicines, honey, value added bamboo products, fibres and their value added products, natural colours, biodiesel made from non-edible oils and veterinary pharmolitical and neutraceutical products. This list is not amended yet after consultation with Madhya Pradesh Small Forest Produce Corporation. MP Electricity Distribution Company has not extended the facility to pay the arrears of power bills in six half-yearly instalments and no approval is done of restoration scheme. The bottom line is that MP does not stride towards socio-economic progress with an eye on globalization. The new Industrial Promotion Policy - 2004, a friendly & committed bureaucracy with right kind of strategies & people's participation is not usher a new era of development in Madhya Pradesh. The sleeping giant, MP is not awakening. Target of $19135 million lapsed by more than 75%.in Industrial development and MP is lagging much behind compared to other provinces. If our Industrial development policies are implemented fast the employment generation chances will grow fast. MP has ample resources but the planning to generate wealth is poor and it is a very sad state of affairs for MP. Dr Visal A Khan