Industry Minister: 1854 Industrial Units Set Up in 3 Years in Himachal, None Shut Down

Shimla, March 13 – A proud moment for Himachal Pradesh as 1854 industrial units have been established in the state and none of the industrial units have been closed in the last three years. MLA Sukhram Chaudhary and Jeetram Katwal had raised a question together, to which the reply was given by industry minister Harshwardhan Chouhan on Thursday during the Question hour.

This establishment of many industrial units are a good sign and shows that slowly the industrial sector is expanding in the state,” Minister said At Present, there are 64 industrial areas in Himachal Pradesh, and the State Government is willing to expand further. Thirteen new industrial regions are also in the works. Land has already been identified for these areas by the government and once this land is formally transferred to the department’s name, further action will be taken.

While also asserting that not a single industrial unit had left the state, Chouhan’s contention put many lawmakers at ease regarding the stability of the industrial climate in Himachal. Some industrial units may have also ceased to operate due to various reasons, but such information is not being provided to the Industry Department on a regular basis, Chouhan added.

But according to the Industry Minister, there was a big hurdle for industrial development in the state — Section-118. This condition on non-residents’ ability to purchase land in specified areas has presented a hurdle for some industrial investment. Chouhan went on to say that there would be a need to insert revisions to the law from time to time, to attract more investments in the state’s industrial sector.

The Minister reiterated the state commitment to retain industry in Himachal and attract more investment. He also advocated for a cooperative plan that would represent the interests and vision of all stakeholders and enhance the industrial environment and economic development over the long term.

It indicates government is serious to remove bottlenecks in making Himachal Pradesh a hub for industries and investment. And with industrial areas still planned as well as aggressive investment, the state will cement its status as a powerhouse of industry in the region.