Shimla: Shortcomings in the current industrial policy has made Confederation of Indian Industry ask the Himachal government to update its 9 year old policy and bring it at par with neighbouring states.
Talking to the media, CN Dhar, vice-president CII (Himachal Chapter) pointed out that Punjab had recently updated its 2009 industrial policy at CII’s behest. “Himachal industrial policy was released in 2003 and needed to updated too,” he said.
Mentioning the interaction with union commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma on Wednesday, Dhar said that the minister had assured industry of restoring capital subsidy upto Rs 30 lakh that was earlier withheld by the centre on starting second, third and other units by an industrial house.
He said that the pace of industrialization had slowed down after withdrawal of tax incentives but the industries were not moving out because of lack of the industrial package.
Making a comparison with Uttarakhand, he said that Himachal too needed to invest in quality infrastructure for attracting more investments like its neighbouring state.
Lack of air and rail connectivity and bad road with heavy traffic definitely hamper industrial growth and tourism. The state needs to spend on improving infrastructure, said Dhar.
He also pointed out that it was a myth that Himachal had surplus power with low tariff. Though there is no power shortage but during peak hours there are restrictions.
The chamber also expressed concern about 740 projects pending approval with the
central government.
Dhar was mentioned that the chamber was impressing upon its members to mark 2 percent of their profit towards Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
To a query about Rs 100 Cr green fine imposed on Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL) for violating environmental laws, Dhar said all industrial houses needed to adhere to environmental laws.
He added that though JAL was not a member of CII but the chamber advocates the principal of sustainable development and protecting environment remained a prime concern.
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In a career spanning over two decades through all formats of journalism in Electronic, Print and Online Media, he brings with him enough experience to steer this platform. He lives in Shimla.
