Minister for Medical, Health, Family Welfare and Ayurveda, Government of Rajasthan, Rajendra Rathore was in the city to attract investment from industrialists. He invited them for the investment summit — Resurgent Rajasthan Parternership Summit — scheduled to be held in Jaipur in November. Kuldeep Ranka, secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture, Rajasthan, accompanied him. Talking about the alleged smuggling of drugs from Rajasthan into Punjab as some of the leaders of Punjab allege, he said opium was legally grown in Rajasthan but it was not being smuggled in Punjab or elsewhere. “I don’t agree that there is any kind of smuggling of drugs from Rajasthan. Even Punjab Government has never lodged any complaint with Rajasthan Government about any such issue,” Rathore said. When asked about the polluted water from industry in Ludhiana flowing into the Rajasthan causing diseases, he said, “We have written to Punjab Government on the issue and have also written to the PM about it,” he said. “Punjab is recognised as a big hub for textiles, agro products and light engineering goods. We are here to explore opportunities for linkages across sectors,” Rathore said. Rajasthan offers major advantages like its vast mineral resources; close proximity to the northern and western markets of India, educated and skilled labour force and an investor-friendly government. This is an opportune time to explore investment opportunities in the state, he said. With 39 per cent of the proposed Dedicated Freight Corridor and a major chunk of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor falling in Rajasthan, it is strategically located, he said. With dedicated parks for IT, biotech, export, agro-processing and other areas, several subsidies and tax exemption, the government of the state would ensure a secure business environment and a level-playing field, he said. He said Japan is coming up with the second phase of investment in the state, while South Korea is also setting up various units. Single window system helps in doing business, online approvals, surplus and cheaper electricity; cheap skilled labour, good law and order situation, sound infrastructure are advantages for the investors, said Ranka.