Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held extensive discussions with stakeholders of industries and tourism sectors of Solan district here today. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the actual implementation of investments rather than getting caught up in paperwork.
The Chief Minister said that bringing substantial investments into the State is crucial for generating employment opportunities for the youth of the State besides increasing revenue to the State exchequer. The Chief Minister said that the State Government plans to establish a dedicated Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bureau to support and facilitate investment on the ground.
The bureau will streamline the process by providing a single platform for potential investors to obtain all necessary clearances within a specified timeframe. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the government is actively working towards expediting stalled investment projects and attracting new investments.
He said that present State Government was laying special focus on making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State. The government intends to introduce the country's first 'Green Hydrogen Policy' to promote sustainable practices and develop six 'Green Corridors' for Electric Vehicles (EVs) across the state, he said.
He emphasized the state government's efforts to create a favourable environment for investments in the State by ensuring that investors face no obstacles. Himachal Pradesh is known for its abundant electricity and water supply which provides a conducive environment for investment.
He said that the government's focus was on strengthening existing industrial areas. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the government is committed to support the early implementation of projects and fostering economic development in the State.
He said that the incentives are being offered to investors in proposed Bulk Drug Park and Medical Device Park in the state. The state government is actively developing infrastructure for these mega projects, he added.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of adapting to changing industrial dynamics. To promote industrialization, the government is prioritizing the expansion of Kangra Airport, building new heliports, improving road and rail connectivity in the State to reduce logistics costs.
These initiatives will enhance the existing industrial, physical, and social infrastructure in the State, he added. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the State Government's goal of developing Himachal Pradesh as an 'All-season' tourism destination, with Kangra district as 'Tourism Capital’ of the State. He invited investors to consider investing in the tourism sector.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said that the state government plans to establish a land bank soon, simplifying the process for investors to select suitable land. He said that the government is committed to addressing investor concerns and today's discussion further exemplifies the state government’s dedication.
He said that efforts are underway to expedite the execution of pending investment projects. The Industries Minister thanked the Chief Minister for sparing two days for this discussion from his busy schedule.
He said that since day one, the present government has been focused on revamping the system. Earlier, Principal Secretary Industries, R.D. Nazeem welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed about the incentives being extended to the entrepreneurs by the State Government.
During the meeting, 29 projects were reviewed and the Chief Minister issued necessary instructions to the respective departments. The investors present in the meeting lauded the initiatives of the present state government to discuss the issues of the investors as it will pave the way for the smooth functioning of the industries.
Chairman HP Tourism Development Corporation, R.S. Bali, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Sunder Singh Thakur and Ram Kumar Chaudhary, Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Bharat Khera, Director Industries, Yunus, Special Secretary Industries, Kiran Bhadana, senior officers of various departments and representatives of the companies were also present in the meeting.