Excise package to HP likely to be extended till 2010

Shimla, Apr 16 (UNI) The excise package to Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal was likely to be extended till 2010, three years after the Central government brought it down to 2007, official sources today said.

The package, which was earlier extended to these states up to 2013, was brought down to 2007 after the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana opposed it, saying industries from their states were shifting to areas close to Punjab and Haryana in Himachal.

Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh had also during his recent tour to the state said the package could be increased as this was necessary in view of many units which had set up their bases in the state thinking that the package was until 2013.

The package was first provided to HP and Uttaranchal by the previous NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government three years ago to help these states attract industry.

However, following pressure from the neighbouring states, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government brought this date down to 2007 two years later and official sources said this was likely to be increased to 2010.

The sources said an announcement to this effect was likely soon.

Himachal Pradesh has attracted 7,000 new industrial units with an estimated investment of Rs 17,000 crore since 2003 when the Central tax package was implemented.

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