Sops to spread units across Himachal

State mulls incentives to de-congest industrial clusters

To reduce density in developed industrial clusters, the Himachal Pradesh government has come up with incentives, in the latest industrial policy, released recently, according to Industries Minister Kuldeep Kumar.

Kumar was addressing a programme on industrial development, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in Parwanoo, 90 km from here.

Principal Secretary BS Chauhan was among other senior officials of the state government present.

It has transpired that after the announcement of the central incentive package in 2003, 4,574 units have been registered (Rs 8,544.88 crore invested) and 155,435 people can be given jobs.

"There is a need to create infrastructure to attract industry in the new areas. So, incentives in the new policy will not be extended to the already notified areas like Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh, which have been covered under the Central Incentive Package of 2003," said Kumar.

"Reputed companies are setting up units in the hill state. The challenge now is to create conditions for them to stay beyond the incentive period," said Dhian Chand, chairman, Himachal Committee, PHDCCI.

"In order to have a state GDP growth rate of 8 per cent, as projected by the Planning Commission for the Tenth Plan period, a perspective infrastructure development plan focusing on power, roads, telecommunications, industrial parks, industrial estates, agriculture export zones, and export promotion zones has to be developed," he added.

The issues discussed were multiple taxes (mandi tax) on agriculture products, an additional goods' tax at 30 paise/kg on cotton yarn, labour matters, etc.

In spite of being surplus in power, frequent breakdowns and voltage fluctuations are causes for concern.

The minister said to resolve the issue of manpower resource management, the government would soon plan to set up a special cell in the directorate of industries.

Industrial training institutes would be set up in every constituency, Kumar added.

Pollution Control Board Member Secretary SS Negi said the present fee structure on the basis of capital investment might give way to one based on the pollution a unit caused.

A waste management treatment plant would shortly be set up with an investment of Rs 5,000 crore, he added.