PHDCCI welcomes extension of central package to HP

Shimla, Aug 4 (UNI) Welcoming the Centre's decision to extend central package to Himachal Pradesh for another three years, the state unit of PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) today said the package would ensure rapid industrialisation besides strengthening the state's economy.

The state has witnessed unprecedented industrial growth after the announcement of the package and the share of the industrial sector to the gross domestic product has increased from 1.1 per cent in 1950-51 to 15.9 per cent during 2004-05, a PHDCCI spokesman said here in a statement.

He said since the notification of the Special Incentive Package for the state, 7,383 industrial investment proposals have been registered or approved with an investment of about 19280.83 crore.

Industrialisation in the state would also provide employment opportunities to about 2,67,875 people, he said.

The PHDCCI also suggested the setting up of a local area development authority for industrial areas in a time bound manner, besides a railway link connecting the industrial areas of Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh.

The setting up of an inland container depot for Baddi would also have a long-term effect on the industrialization of the state, it added.

Observing that Himachal should create adequate infrastructure to help the industry in setting up new industries in the interior parts of the state, it said unless this was done equitable development of the state as not possible.

The PHDCCI also called up on the state government to improve the infrastructure by modernising airports, constructing express highways and supplying adequate power to the industrial units that were being set up in the state.

UNI AS DP PKS VV1831