INFOSHARE 
Dr Jayaprakash Narayan, widely known as JP, is the founder and president of Lok Satta Party – new politics for the new generation --- and currently a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Andhra Pradesh's Kukatpally constituency. JP's experience in government convinced him that the faulty governance process is the biggest hurdle to India's progress. He resigned from the I.A.S in 1996, as he wanted to work at grassroots for good governance. He emphasizes that democracy is for the people, of the people and by the people. He has also written columns in Indian dailies like Times of India, The Economic Times, Financial Express, The Hindu and Eenadu. He also anchored election coverage on TV along with and political programmess like "Pratidhwani".
Arjya Patnaik spoke to the Tourism and Culture Minister of Odisha, Shri Prafulla Samal. Excerpts of the meaningful discussion.
Arjya: How do you rate Odisha as a tourist destination?
TM: Odisha is a magical State with myriad treasures. It boasts a little about everything. Visitors can choose from a variety of experiences – culture, heritage, monuments, nature, wildlife, beaches, tribal life, etc. Grand temples like Konark Sun temple, the ecospheres of Chilka and Bhitarkanika, the stupendous cart festival and so on. One has to see it to believe in it. My ratings will be a 10/10, I would ask the tourists to visit this State and rate themselves.
Jay Narayan Vyas, the current Cabinet Minister in BJP ministry of Gujarat state of India. He is minister in charge of Tourism & devsthan pilgrimage and also takes care of health & family welfare, development, co-ordination of voluntary organizations, non resident Gujarati division. He is a post graduate in civil engineering from IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Mumbai and also holds post graduate qualifications in marketing management and a degree in Law.
Under his leadership, he planned out the month-long Rann Utsav (Desert Festival) in Kutch district which has given a boost to the tourism industry in Gujarat. There has been 70 per cent increase in the tourist arrivals, which was a result of aggressive campaign. The ad campaign by Gujarat Tourism brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan was also a major factor in the growth of the sector.
The Union steel ministry is working on the draft of a new national policy, which aims to replace the 2005 norms, and make it in sync with the changing global dynamics. India hopes to be the no 2 producer of steel in the world, only next to China. The sector's rapid and structured growth will help boost the nation's infrastructure. Excerpts :
Presently, India ranks fourth in steel production. How do you see its future?
India is No 4 in steel production and China is on top. But by 2020, our production will cross 200 million tons, and we will become No 2 in the world. China will still remain No 1 as it does not export steel. Though we have increased the export duty from 5% to 20 % to curb the export, and we are going to increase the duty by another 10 %. Government policy suggests export cannot be banned.
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