Return of excise sops may revive Himachal’s industrial drive

These projects are in addition to the investment of nearly Rs 300 crore recently cleared by himachal’s Single Widow Clearance and Monitoring Authority. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is chairperson of the authority that approves new projects and grants clearances for mega projects.

The government has already signed an agreement with Nestle to set up its unit at Talewal in Una district,which will be one of the biggest industrial proposals finalised after the premature withdrawal of the 10-year special package on March 31,2010 ¿ three years short of its proposed ending.

Additional Chief Secretary (Industry) Harinder Hira told The Indian Express,“Nestle has already selected the land and will soon start setting up the unit. Next on the government’s list is Hero Honda,which had been weighing its options in Himachal Pradesh for the last few years. Now,they have conveyed to us some positive signs and search for land on Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh road is already on”.

Officials in the Industries Department said in case the government is able to clinch the deal with the automobile giant,it will land an investment of Rs 2,300 to 2,500 crore,which also includes their ancillary units.

To step up the state’s industrial drive,which slowed down after withdrawal of the central excise incentives,the government has already drawn up a new strategy. It claims it has invested in creating infrastructure in the industrial belt,which was lacking during the package period. This also includes upgradation of power availability,roads and other amenities.

“Next,the government proposes to hard-sell its industrial potential in a series of roadshows proposed for metropolitan cities,including Mumbai and Chennai,in January-February 2011. There is also going to be an investors’ meet in Shimla wherein all departments,including Tourism,Horticulture,Agro-processing,besides Industries,will join hands to extend a red carpet welcome to investors,” said the additional chief secretary (industry).