Chandigarh, June 29 Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, along with Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan today digitally laid the foundation stone of Indian Oil Corporation’s (IOC) state-of-the-art second Research and Development (R&D) Centre in Faridabad, Haryana. The new Centre, covering an area of about 60 acres, would be constructed at a cost of around Rs. 2282 crore.

In his inaugural address, Haryana Chief Minister expressed his gratitude towards the Union Minister Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan and IOC for selecting Haryana for setting up Indian Oil’s new research unit. He said that Haryana has always remained a front-runner in the country’s development. The State has performed exceptionally well not only in agriculture sector, but is also developing as a Sports hub and has marked its identity as a major player in the industrial sector, especially automobiles.

He said that the State has become a preferred investment destination for the entrepreneurs as setting up a new industry had also become easier in Haryana. Haryana has made tremendous progress in the ranking of Ease of Doing Business in the country. He said that at present Haryana is at the third position in the country in terms of Ease of Doing Business and first among all northern states. The State is moving ahead in the Energy and Agro-industry sectors, he added.

He said, “We have played a pro-active role in making Haryana a Kerosene-free State and dedicated efforts were made to make the State Kerosene-free. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, every household in the State is being provided LPG connections.”

Chief Minister also highlighted the efforts made by the State Government to prevent the spread of Corona Pandemic. He said that while empathizing the need of every individual, constant efforts were made by the State Government to provide relief to every needy person during the Pandemic.

Divulging the details about upcoming projects of waste-to-energy going on in Haryana, he said that Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) would be setting up an Ethanol Plant at Bohali in district Panipat.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan said that this second state-of-the-art R&D centre will certainly emerge as a laboratory for an alternative, clean, and indigenous energy solutions. He said that setting up of this Centre is a big step towards realizing the vision of Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi in making India self-reliant in all the sectors, especially the energy sector.

While praising Haryana for the steps taken by it to take the State swiftly on the energy sector track, Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Haryana under the leadership of Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, has shown tremendous improvement in socio-economic and development parameters. It is also the first kerosene-free state and I am sure that now Haryana will become a leading R&D hub in the country. Haryana can also play a leading role in converting the Agro-residues into clean energy."

The Minister also expressed his gratitude towards Haryana government for supporting the activities of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in the State. He urged country's largest fuel retailer, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), to provide further impetus to waste-to-energy programs in Haryana and work towards making the State a global model in alternative energy solutions.

Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Tarun Kappor, Mr. Sanjiv Singh, Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation and other senior officers also attended the foundation ceremony through video conference.