The UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi laid the foundation stone of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery & Petrochemicals Complex at Pachpadra in Barmer district of Rajasthan today. The refinery being set up at an estimated cost of over 37 thousand crore rupees is expected to commence oil production in 2017-18. With an annual capacity of 90 lakh metric tons, the refinery will provide employment to one lakh 40 thousand people.

Addressing the function Sonia Gandhi said that the refinery will be first in the country to use indigenously produced crude oil. She said that the refinery will prove revolutionary in Rajasthan's development.

Referring to the food security act, Mrs. Gandhi said that strong provisions have been made in the act to curb corruption in the public distribution system.

The UPA Chairperson also appreciated the Free Medicine and Free Check Up schemes of Rajasthan government. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Union Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily and Union Minister of State for Petroleum Panabaka Laxmi were present on the occasion.

The UPA Chairperson also laid the foundation stone of MEMU Coach Factory in Rupaheli in Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. The factory will be a joint venture of Railways, Rajasthan Government and BHEL. Mrs. Gandhi also laid the foundation stone of Chambal-Bhilwara Drinking water project. This project will benefit more than 25 lakh people of nine cities and 1688 villages of Bhilwara district.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonia Gandhi said that Congress is the only party in the country which believes in inclusive growth and social justice. She said that this is reflected in the various measures taken by the UPA government.

Mrs. Gandhi said that the government is concerned about safeguarding the interests of women, farmers, tribal communities and minorities and many laws have been brought for betterment of these sections of the society.