Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed here today that Himachal Pradesh has been awarded Central funding of Rs. 42 crore under PM GatiShakti related expenditure of ‘ Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2022-23’ from the Union department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. He said this assistance will go a long way in boosting industrial activities in the State. The Chief Minister said the State Government had sent four projects amounting to Rs. 84 crore for Central assistance, keeping in view logistics connectivity and industrial development in the state. The screening committee of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has approved three projects of Rs. 42 crore. He said that one of the flagship projects under this scheme is setting up an IT Park at Rakh (Nagri) in Palampur Tehsil of District Kangra. He said that airport connectivity and climate is highly suitable for IT – enabled industries in the area. The total cost of project would be Rs. 35 crore.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Industries Department to increase the size of the park from 250 kanal to at least 1000 kanal so that economies of scale could be encashed for generating employment for local youth. He also asked for timely execution of these projects. He also directed to formulate Investment Oriented Open Policies to make Himachal Pradesh the most investor friendly state across the country. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu asked Director, Industries, Rakesh Prajapati to visit the identified sites and initiate the process of setting up the IT Park. He said that it would create employment opportunities for people of Himachal Pradesh in the field of IT & ITES. Director Industries informed that the development of the IT Park will play a catalytic role in the growth of Small and Medium Industries while providing an impetus to new-age IT start-ups. It will also create a platform for enterprising youths in the state to join the IT bandwagon driving the country’s technological advancement and provide opportunities for the state’s socio-economic upliftment. He further informed that the other two approved projects are the development of a new industrial area in Bhud and Baddi. He said that the development of two new warehouses in Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts for storing food supplies along with the upkeep of numerous warehouses spread across the state.
