Gujarat has set an ambitious target of attracting ₹10 lakh crore in fresh investments over the next five years under the newly launched Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy-2026, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced on Monday, 29 June at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Central Gujarat in Vadodara. The policy marks a structural shift in the state's approach to industrial growth, moving beyond conventional incentive frameworks to emphasise entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and administrative efficiency.

Key Targets and Investment Goals

Addressing the inaugural session of the regional conference, Sanghavi said the state government would function as a partner to industry rather than a regulator. 'Our target is very clear. Over the next five years, we will attract ₹10 lakh crore in new investments. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, we will succeed in bringing these investments across different regions of Gujarat,' he said. The policy is positioned as a cornerstone of Gujarat's contribution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader vision of a 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'.

Women's Empowerment at the Core

One of the most distinctive features of the new policy is its focus on women entrepreneurs. Sanghavi said women entrepreneurs would receive an additional one per cent interest benefit over existing provisions. The policy also provides rental assistance of up to 75 per cent of eligible costs for five years, along with skill refresher programmes specifically designed for women returning to the workforce. 'The best part of our policy is women's empowerment,' he said, signalling a deliberate pivot toward inclusive industrial growth.

Mega Projects and Disability Inclusion

A dedicated support mechanism has been created for mega and ultra-mega projects — those involving investments of ₹10,000 crore or more and generating around 3,000 high-paying jobs. These projects will be eligible for enhanced incentives, including support linked to fixed capital investment. The policy also introduces reimbursement support for companies employing persons with disabilities, applicable for a period of five to ten years.

Administrative Overhaul: Zero Red Tape

Sanghavi highlighted a significant improvement in Gujarat's administrative processes, citing data to back the claims. Incentive disbursements have risen by 55 per cent over the past two years, reaching ₹7,888 crore. During the same period, the number of required documents has been reduced by 41 per cent, and pending files have declined by 95 per cent. The government currently clears around 392 industry incentive files daily, with a stated target of scaling this to 500 files per day in the coming months. 'In business, time is money. The Gujarat model focuses on zero red tape and faster clearances,' he said.

Vibrant Gujarat Platform Evolves

Sanghavi noted that the Vibrant Gujarat platform has matured well beyond a periodic investment summit, now serving as a year-round connector linking investors, startups, and industry leaders to opportunities across the state. He reiterated that the state government remains open to feedback from industry stakeholders to continuously refine its policies. 'The engine of a Viksit Gujarat is moving ahead at full speed. Let us together build a new India, a new Gujarat, and a new Central Gujarat,' he said. The next milestones for the policy will be watched closely by industry bodies tracking whether Gujarat's execution record holds at this scale.