Chief Minister launches ‘C.M. Startup Scheme’ for industries

In order to promote new ideas, products and processes suitable for commercialization and industry Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today  launched ‘Chief Minister’s  Start-up, Innovation Projects, New Industries Scheme’ in the State.
Addressing on this occasion Chief Minister said that such an education system, would be provided, in the State where new ideas and  innovations could be coordinated with industry to provide a new direction to pace of development. He said that the Government will provide liberal assistance to incubator organizations designed to promote growth of start –up units and having physical space, coaching and mentoring facilities. Rs. 30 lakh per incubator per year upto a period of three years will be provided for this purpose.
He said startup units will be exempted from routine inspections alongwith exemption of tax for initial three years. Self attested certificates will be accepted for all official purposes so that the start -up units could sustain and work without formalities and obstacles, in the State. He said that stamp duty had been significantly reduced to three per cent for start- up units along-with allotment of plots, on 50 per cent of rates, as fixed by the industries department.

Chief Minister said that the present Government had strengthened single window system for approval of industry which led to investment of  Rs. 13262 crore in 283 projects . These units will provide employment to 26680 youth in the State.
Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that Ease of Doing Business was a main issue, on many platforms for establishment of industry. The State has done major progress on this issue and very soon the State will be counted, in the first 10 states of the nation for Ease of Doing Business criterion.
Many reputed survey agencies have declared Himachal Pradesh as the most preferred investment destination.  The State Government has been continuously strengthening the industrial infrastructure in the State. Technology Development Centre at Baddi will prove to be a centre for development of new technology, tools and equipments.
He said on line applications, would be accepted, in the directorate of industries for establishing start up units which will be approved, at the earliest.
Director Industries Rajesh Sharma said that 60 per cent of start- up units were initiated by top most educational institutions, in the world and added that collaboration of educational institutions and industry was necessary for growth of industries. He said IIM , IIT and other important educational institutions are being roped in, so as to promote start up projects in the State.
Principal Secretary Industries  R.D. Dhiman, Principal Advisor Rajender Chauhan and other officers were present on this occasion.

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CCISS for new Industrial Units & Expansion of existing

A Spokesman of the Industries Department said here today that the Central Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CCISS), 2013 was being implemented in Himachal Pradesh and it was applicable to all new industrial units and existing industrial units on their substantial expansion (minimum 25 percent) in the value of fixed capital investment plant and machinery for the purpose of expansion of capacity in identified locations.

He said that the scheme was also applicable in the specified Thrust Industries including eco-tourism units located anyway in the State for Capital Investment Subsidy which was available at the rate of 15% of investment in Plant and Machinery subject to a ceiling of Rs. 50 lakh for Micro, Small and Medium enterprises and Rs. 30 lakh for large enterprises. He said that this benefit was not available for negative list of industries.

Spokesman said that for availing the benefit of the scheme, industrial units must register themselves with the District Industries Centre (DIC) concerned at the time of planning to set up a new unit or undertaking expansion in existing unit and strictly prior to the date of commencement of commercial production and operation of new units or undertaking substantial expansion for existing units.

He said that new Eco Tourism Units should also get themselves registered under the scheme with the Tourism Department and District Industries Centre concerned at the time of getting other necessary approvals before commencing the construction work. Under the Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme, Eco Tourism Units would also receive subsidy at the rate 15 percent of investment in plant and machinery as well as building.

He said that the claims need to be submitted to the concerned DIC in the prescribed Application Forms within one year from the date of commencement of commercial production/operation. He said that all transaction in respect of the cost of plant and machinery/project must be made through ‘A/c payee cheque’ or ‘demand draft’ or any other mode of bank transaction and payment in cash would not be considered eligible for computation of subsidy.

For further details, the entrepreneurs can contact District Industries Centres in all Districts or log on to web address of Industries department on   www.himachal.nic.in website.

HPSIDC Executing Projects worth Rs 100 crore: Agnihotri

The State Industrial Development Corporation was executing construction works worth Rs 100 crore, which includes construction of 107 school buildings in different parts of the State worth Rs 40 crore. This was stated by Industries Minister Mr Mukesh Agnihotri while presiding over the 248th meeting of Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (HPSIDC) held here today.

Mr Agnihotri said that an amount of Rs 10.19 crore have been released by the Government for development of Pandoga Industrial area in Una district. He said that said that IIT Roorkee has been approached to provide consultancy and expert opinion on development of the site earmarked for the industrial area Pandoga. He directed the officers of the HPSIDC to complete the work of development of land before the ensuing monsoon season.

 He said that Rs 8.23 crore Kandrori Industrial area would be developed in Kangra district so that it could be developed for the benefit of the entrepreneurs. He said that both these Industrial areas had been approved under the Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS) by the Union Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).

Mr Agnihotri said that these industrial areas would be developed as state of the art industrial areas by the State Industrial Development Corporation. He said that the entrepreneurs would be provided world class facilities for setting up their units in these industrial areas.

The Minister said that the HPSIDC should diversify its activities so as to become more competitive and also increase its profit. He also stressed upon greater professionalism in the functioning of the Corporation.

 Vice Chairman of HPSIDC Mr Atul Sharma while welcoming the Industries Minister detailed various activities of the Corporation. He urged the Minister to fill up functional posts, especially of Junior Engineers in the Corporation for ensuring its effective functioning.

Mr S.S. Guleria, Managing Director, HPSIDC conducted the proceedings of the meeting.

Non-official members of the BoD also gave their valuable suggestions.

Principal Secretary, Industries Mr R.D. Dhiman, Managing Director HP State Financial Corporation Mr Onkar Sharma, Director, Industries Mr Rajinder Thakur, Special Secretary Finance Mr Rajesh Sharma and other senior officers of these Boards also attended the meeting among others.

Centre clears two industrial area development projects for State

Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today disclosed that the Government of India had accorded approval to state projects for developing two new state of the art industrial areas in the State.

He said that these projects include one at Pandoga in Una district and another at Kandrori in Kangra district with investment of Rs. 112 crores each.  Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had made announcement regarding developing these industrial areas in his budget speech.

The Minister said that state government had been vigorously pursuing this matter with the union government which gave its approval for both projects in its Apex Body meeting held in New Delhi on Monday.

Agnihotri said the work for developing infrastructure for these projects would be started soon and this step would go a long way in further strengthening the industrial growth in the State besides providing employment to the youth.

He said that the state had taken effective measures to expand the industrial areas and in this direction, industrial meets were held in three major metropolitan cities in the country which were yielding better results as proposals worth crores had been received by the state government which soon would be cleared in single window meeting.

Govt extends special package for Himachal, Uttarakhand

The Centre today extended the special package for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till March 2017, a move that will help accelerate industrial growth of both the hilly states.

"The Cabinet extended the special package for the states of Himachal and Uttarakhand, which has two components - the capital investment subsidy and the freight subsidy. And this special package will continue through the 12th Plan up to 31st March 2017," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told reporters here.

A special package for industrial development in both the states was extended by the government in 2003. In 2007, it was curtailed, before being restored till 2010.

 

The capital investment subsidy was one of the major component of a special industrial package offered to the states by the union government.

According to a media report, Himachal Pradesh got maximum investment from 2003 to 2010, when there was a special industrial package from the central government in force. Most investments were in pharmaceutical, food processing, textile, packaging and light engineering sectors. 

Chief Minister and Industries Minister hails Union Government's decision to restore industrial package for Himachal

 

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh has hailed the decision of the Union Government for restoring Special Package of Incentives for Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister while thanking the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Vice President AICC Shri Rahul Gandhi and Union Commerce and Industries Minister Shri Anand Sharma for announcing this incentive for the State.

While welcoming the decision of the Union Government, Shri Virbhadra Singh said that this would not only give boost to the industrialization in the State but also generate gainful employment especially for the rural youth. He said that the Special Package of Incentives has been extended from 7th January, 2013 to 31st March, 2017. He said that memorandum was also submitted to the President of India requesting him to recommend the case of Himachal Pradesh for extension of this package.

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that all new industrial units and existing units on substantial expansion would be eligible for Central Capital units at the rate of 15 percent of their investment in plant and machinery. He said that subsidy would be available to all new and existing units on substantial expansion located in notified areas as well as to “thrust industries" for units located anywhere in these State.

Industries Minister Shri Mukesh Agnihotri has also welcomed the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for giving its approval for extension of the Special Package of Industrial Incentive for Himachal Pradesh.

He said that this has been possible due to the relentless efforts of the Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh, who had taken up the issue regarding industrial package with the Union Government at various levels. Shri Agnihotri said that only recently he had himself called on the Union Commerce and Industries Minister Shri Anand Sharma at New Delhi and urged him to restore the Industrial Package for the State. He said that the Union Minister had assured him that the matter in the respect would be taken up in the next Union Cabinet Meeting itself. He said that the Industrial Package would give a much needed fillip to the pace of Industrialization in the State.

Industries Minister said that objective of the scheme was to create an enabling growth and industrialization of Himachal Pradesh and generation of more employment.

Big industrial houses keen to invest in Himachal: Industries Minister

Mr. Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was fast developing as centre of attraction for investors due to availability of cheap and uninterrupted power supply and peaceful and conducive environment for setting up the industries. He said that many big industrial houses such as Vardhman and Tata have expressed their willingness to invest in the State.

Addressing the media at Chandigarh, Mr. Agnihotri said that State had made it mandatory to give approval within 90 days to the project proposals which was attracting investors to the State. He said that it was being assumed that investment in the State would be affected due to withdrawal of Special Industrial Package but with the concerted efforts of the State Government, the investment was constantly increasing.

The Industries Minister said that three new industrial areas worth Rs. 100 crore each were being developed in the State. Besides, the State Government was making efforts for developing infrastructural facilities and setting up projects in different areas adding that a high level meeting with Mr. Anand Sharma, Union Commerce Minister would be held on 11th January, 2014 in this regard. He hoped that issue regarding giving early approval to important projects and pending industrial issues would be discussed in the meeting.

Replying to a question regarding present political scenario in the State, Mr. Agnihotri said that if any body had any evidence against Chief Minister Mr. Virbhadra Singh, he should file complaint with the Lokayukta. He said that the opposition was making false allegations against Chief Minister due to their frustration from development works which had taken place in the State.

HPGIC to revive Nurpur Silk Mills

Himachal Pradesh General Industries Corporation (HPGIC) will revive its Nurpur Silk Mills which has been engaging in producing silk yarn and fabric. The decision has been taken keeping in view the big demand for product of this plant in market.

A Spokesperson of HPGIC disclosed here today that decision had been taken to revive this plant through aggressive manufacturing and marketing. The Mill produces quality fabrics in chiffon, chinon, crepe and pure silk with latest designs and prints. The print variety will range from screen, digital, batik spray, hand brush, tie & dye etc. 

The Corporation has already tied up with NIFT, Kangra for technical support in designing various outfits for ladies, gents as well as for teenagers. So far the only sales outlet of Corporation was at Bodh Nurpur at factory premises but now it will open another show room at Himrus Bhawan near Hotel Himland in Shimla. 

He said that awareness campaign regarding Himachali Silk and exhibitions would be organised within and outsides the State. The facebook page of Nurpur Silk Mill http:www.facebook.com/nurpursilkmill has also been created for latest update and news. The Corporation will provide training in modern techniques to the technicians of the mill so that quality of cloth can be improved besides upgrading the machinery and equipments.

Central Capital Investment Subsidy to be extended for H.P.

Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce and Industries announced the extension of Central Capital Investment Subsidy (CIS) for Himachal Pradesh w.e.f. 7th January 2013 to 31st March, 2017. He also stated that extension of Industrial package for H.P. was fully justified and his Ministry has strongly recommended the same. He also announced the continuation of Central Transport Subsidy Scheme which had been modified and made more liberal and has been notified as Fright Subsidy Scheme and will be applicable till 2017. 

These announcements were made in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh in a press conference held here today. Earlier he had a detailed meeting with Chief Minister along with senior officers of Central and State Government at Chief Minister’s office at Secretariat. 

Union Minister also announced that Regional Centre of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) for Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) studies would be set up at Shimla with a cost of Rs. 50 crores. Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh announced that five acres of land would be provided in the vicinity of Shimla town for this purpose. 

Shri Sharma announced that new project of Apple Juice Concentrate at Gumma in Shimla district and upgradation of the existing plant at Parwanoo would be sanctioned and the funds to the tune of Rs. 15.30 crores and Rs. 12.40 crores respectively would be provided by APDA to the State for this purpose. 

Shri Sharma announced approval of six projects in the meeting held with Chief Minister here today under Assistance to State for Infrastructure Development for Export and Allied Services (ASIDE) of more than Rs. 94 crores for upgradation of industrial infrastructure in the State. He stated that these included Rs. 26.89 crores Ware House Project for exporting units located in Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh area, Rs. 8.09 crore composite Testing Lab for Pharma Products at Export cluster Baddi, Rs. 11.13 crore setting up Container Parking Facility for exporting units in Baddi Barotiwala area, Rs. 12.34 crore development of electrical Infrastructure at I.A. Kala-Amb in Sirmour district, 16.05 crore Up-gradation of Power Supply in EPIP Phase-I, EPIP Phase-II and outside area at Baddi where Export Oriented Units are located and Rs. 20 crore for setting up of Common Effluent Treatment Plant for exporting units at I.A. Kala-Amb in Sirmour district.

The Minister also agreed to consider projects worth Rs. 165 crore under Modified Industrial Infrastructure upgradation Scheme (IIUF) projected by the State in the meeting. He also assured financial support for setting up of three integrated industrial township at Pandoga (Una), Kandrouri (Kangra) and 

Dhabota (Solan) districts. He stated that State Government may submit detailed project reports of these projects for consideration and sanction by GoI. 

Shri Sharma said that Spice Park would be set up at Nadaun in Hamirpur district on which Rs. 17 crores would be spent by the Spices Board. He thanked the Chief Minister for soughting out the land allotment case which was being delayed for long by the previous BJP Government. He said that extension branch of Spice Park would be set up at Sirmour. He also announced that extention c centre of the park would be set up in district Sirmour for ginger. He also stated that APEDA has provided funds to the tune of Rs. 38.44 crore for 10 packaging and grading houses for apples in the State. He announced that APEDA would also provide funds for setting up packaging and processing centres at Solan and Nagrota Bagwan. 

He said that Regional Centre of Tea Board would be opened at Palampur which would benefit the local tea growers. He said that Tea Board had sanctioned Rs. 32.62 lakh towards research proposal and Rs. 15 lakh for base line survey for revival of Kangra tea. He said that Rs. 48 lakh would be spent on Project for revival of Kangra tea. He said that tea museum would be set up at Palampur with a cost of Rs. One crore. He said that a study has been conducted for the growing of Coffee in the State and announced a pilot project which would cover Bilaspur, Sundernagar and Palampur area of the State. 

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh expressed his gratitude towards Union Minister for accepting most of the demands. He stated that sanction of Industrial infrastructure projects would go a long way in promoting industrial growth in the State. He also thanked the Union Minister for announcing the continuation of Capital Investment Scheme for the industries in the State. 

Chief Minister expressed the hope that GoI would also concede the justified demands of the State for restoration of full package of incentives for the industries in Himachal Pradesh. 

Industries Minister Shri Mukesh Agnihotri thanked the Union Minister and his team of senior officers for acceding to the genuine demands of the State. He also stated that Chief Minister has repeatedly taken up the matter for revival of industrial package for the State with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and UPA Chairperson and met them personally also. He said that he has also been pursuing the case vigoursly at various level in GoI from time to time. 

Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Agriculture) Shri Rohit Thakur requested the Union Minister that in order to protect the interests of local apple growers in the State who are solely depended for their livelihood on apple, the apple should be declared as a special category product. He also requested that steps needs to be taken by GoI to check the misuse of South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) as large number of countries in this region are increasingly exporting apple to India thereby adversely affected the interests of local apple growers. 

Chief Secretary Shri Sudripta Roy apprised the Union Minister about the progress of various projects sanctioned by Department of Industrial Policy. He also requested an early clearance of the projects pending with GoI. 

Advisor to Chief Minister Shri T.G. Negi, Joint Secretaries Commerce & Industry (GoI) shri J.K. Dadoo and Shri Arvind Mehta, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shri V.C. Pharka, Principal Secretary Industries Shri R.D. Dhiman, Secretary Finance Shri Manish Garg, Director Plantation (GoI) Ms. Vandana Yadav, Director I&PR Shri Rajender Singh, Director Industries Shri Mohan Chauhan, Industries Advisor Dr. Rajender Chauhan, MD HPMC Shri Jagdish Chander Sharma, Assistant Director Spices Board Shri Gaurav Diwadi and other senior officers of Centre and State Governments were present on the occasion.