Extension of industrial package likely, says CM

Shimla, Apr 19 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today expressed hope that industrial package be extended to 2013 and said this will boost economic activities in the state.

''Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had assured that the package will be extended beyond 2007,'' he said after inaugurating the first branch of Bank of Rajasthan here.

Mr Singh said Himachal was entitled for the same package that had been given to other special category states which would boost economic activities in the state.

Several of the manufacturing units setting up their bases in the state were not coming here due to the economic package, but were instead expanding their units, he said.

The chief minister said the government has decided to set up a special economic zone in Kangra district and would provide an opportunity to the banks to expand their business in that part of the state.

The government was also considering a proposal for the setting up of an agro-economic zone, which would be helpful in promoting agricultural and horticulture activities and boost exports besides improving the financial condition of the farmers, he said.

Mr Singh said per capita income, which was Rs 240 in 1948, had jumped to 30,138 in 2006, adding this was due to the visionary economic policies of the successive Congress governments.

Senior bank officials and state government officials were also present on the occasion.

UNI AS HS PA KN2011