Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday outlined an ambitious and forward-looking roadmap for Himachal Pradesh’s industrial growth, asserting that the State has emerged as a preferred global destination for sustainable, high-tech and rural-based industries. Emphasizing proactive governance, he said the State Government’s “Industry through Invitation” initiative has fundamentally changed the way investments are attracted and facilitated.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government was no longer waiting passively for investors but actively engaging with them through a clear and investor-friendly strategy. He highlighted that outreach efforts in international markets such as Dubai and Japan, along with domestic investment hubs like Mumbai, have resulted in memoranda of commitment exceeding ₹5,000 crore over the past three years. During the same period, the State Government approved 683 industrial projects involving investments of nearly ₹14,000 crore, with the potential to generate employment for around 32,000 youth.
CM Sukhu stressed that Himachal Pradesh is consciously diversifying beyond conventional industries. The State is building robust infrastructure to support eco-friendly transport systems, promote MSMEs and startups, and attract investments in green energy and green hydrogen as part of its transition towards a sustainable economy. He said tourism, solar energy, digital infrastructure, and modernization of agriculture through dairy and food processing reforms would play a crucial role in strengthening the industrial ecosystem while directly benefiting rural communities.
Underscoring the importance of MSMEs as the backbone of the State’s economy, the Chief Minister said proposals worth ₹1,642 crore have been forwarded to the Central Government to strengthen rural-based industries, out of which ₹109.34 crore has already been sanctioned as initial funding. These efforts, he said, would significantly enhance livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Highlighting the State’s growing startup ecosystem, CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh is fostering a strong culture of innovation through 14 incubation centres established at premier institutions including IIT Mandi, IIM Sirmaur and AIIMS Bilaspur. At present, 107 startups are operational, while another 407 are at various stages of development.
He further stated that under the Chief Minister’s Swavalamban Yojana, 1,607 self-employment units have been approved with an investment of ₹373.87 crore, generating immediate livelihood opportunities for more than 3,500 people across the State.
To improve the ease of doing business, the Chief Minister said 180 services have been integrated into a unified single-window clearance portal, ensuring a seamless experience for investors. Policy reforms have also been introduced, including revised construction norms allowing up to 70 percent land utilization for industrial buildings. Additionally, 13 new large and micro industrial areas have been notified to meet rising industrial demand.
CM Sukhu noted that Himachal Pradesh’s efforts have received significant national recognition. The State has won the Best Performer Award in the State Startup Ranking 2023, the Aspirant State Award for Ease of Doing Business 2024, and first prize under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. In 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) also recognized the State for excellence in the Health and Services sectors and for outstanding performance in Construction Permit Enablers.
“These accolades reflect our commitment to transparent, efficient and people-centric governance,” the Chief Minister said, adding that Himachal Pradesh is open for business and determined to ensure that industrial growth leads to inclusive prosperity for every citizen of the State.
