Anand gives nod to extension of Himachal industrial package

“Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal met me the other day and I informed him about my ministry’s focus on Himachal Pradesh’s industrial development. A recommendation for extending the package to 2013,as was originally proposed,has been made,” he added.

The package was sanctioned for 10 years in 2003 by the NDA government,but in 2004 the UPA government reduced the duration to 2007 and later extended it to March 31,2010.

The Himachal government had been pressurising the Centre for extending the package to the earlier proposed duration.

The package incentives include Central tax holidays,capital subsidy and power tariff freeze.

During the package period so far,Himachal Pradesh has received investment proposals to the tune of Rs 40,123 crores — a record of sorts in the state’s history.

Till November 2009,an investment of Rs 6,091 crore had already been made.

Sharma,the minister in-charge for extending the package,said Dhumal had showed great interest in focussed development of the industry.

Outlining his priorities for Himachal,Sharma said the state has enormous scope for agro-processing industry and the sector will be developed to generate employment and ensure direct benefits to farmers and fruit growers.

The minister said a high-level team had recently visited Shimla and discussed strategies for industrial development.

The next meeting of the team and investors are expected to give concrete shape to proposals.

Manoj Kumar,Director (Industries),said the state government has already prepared the background for meeting the minister and his team.

“We are waiting for their visit and,of course,extension of the industrial package,” he added.

During the last Assembly session in Dharamshala,the state government had adopted a resolution seeking extension of the industrial package.

The Centre has already extended the package to Jammu and Kashmir and north eastern states.

Only Himachal and Uttarakhand — the states ruled by BJP governments — which were also part of the package,were awaiting extension.