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Himachal to Revise Industrial Policy to Attract Investment: CM Sukhu
Uproar in Assembly Over Concessions Granted to Corporates During Previous BJP Government
Shimla, Updated At : 22:39 PM Aug 26, 2025 IST
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced today that the state government will amend the 2019 Industrial Policy to attract investment by offering incentives and concessions, including subsidized power.
The statement came amid uproar in the Assembly, where the opposition clashed with the ruling party over concessions granted to industrial houses under a special package during the previous BJP government. Chief Minister Sukhu accused the Jai Ram-led administration of handing over the state’s valuable resources to investors at throwaway prices.
“We will investigate the 100% exemption in stamp duty, subsidized power and water, and other special packages granted by the previous BJP government to select investors, and take necessary action,” Sukhu said. He further alleged that hundreds of bighas of land had been allotted at the nominal rate of ₹1 per square metre.
The opposition, angered by the remarks, staged a walkout from the House amid slogans and protest. The matter arose during Question Hour in response to Jaswan MLA Bikram Singh’s query on the total industrial investment since January 2023 and details of units that had shut down.
Replying to the query, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan informed the House that since January 2023, the state has received 380 projects with an investment of ₹5,891 crore. In addition, 205 existing units have expanded at a cost of ₹5,600 crore.
He added that 115 industrial units have closed down, resulting in the loss of 3,350 jobs. “Of these, 55 units have resumed operations after being taken over by new investors, bringing in ₹512 crore of investment and generating employment for 3,918 people,” Chauhan said.
The minister further noted that the Industries Department had participated in three investor summits held in Mumbai, the UAE, and Shimla. “In Shimla alone, 24 MoUs worth ₹6,210 crore were signed, creating 7,438 jobs,” he said, adding that a Bulk Drug Park with an investment of ₹10,000 crore is also coming up, which is expected to generate 15,000 jobs.
Chauhan stressed that if investors were found to have availed concessions in violation of terms and conditions, the government would take strict action.
