Rs 50 crore package for Batala industry

Amritsar, Nov 9 (UNI) The Central Government has decided to give a package of Rs 50 crore for the upgradation of the ailing foundry industry of Batala.

The package will be utilised for upgrading the industry as well as the infra structure in Batala, Union Minister of state for Industries Ashwani Kumar said here today.

Referring to the commencement of civil flights from the Pathankot Air Force base, the Minister said this is expected to give an influx to tourist activity in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh.

The districts of Kangra and Kullu will benefit from the flights, he added.

The civil flights are also expected to attract entrepreneurs interested in investing in the border district of Gurdaspur and even adjoining Hoshiarpur district, he added.

Referring to agro-based industries, the Minister said that the SEZ to be set-up at Amritsar would give an impetus to farming in Punjab, as majority of the industrial units in the SEZ are to be agriculture related.

Mr Kumar disclosed that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would be visiting Punjab sometime this month.

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