CHANDIGARH,08.04.23-The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Himachal Pradesh recently organized an interactive session with Mr R D Nazeem, Principal Secretary, Industries, Transport, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Himachal Pradesh. The meeting was attended by more than 75 industry members from all the industrial areas of the state, and they discussed several issues that are impeding the industry's growth in Himachal Pradesh.

Some of the significant challenges faced by the industry in the state that were discussed included the delay in getting 118 permission, poor infrastructure, the high cost of power in industrial areas, and the slow pace of putting up the Moginand power substation in Kala Amb, which has been pending for several years. The hydropower sector members also raised concerns about the water cess imposed on hydropower units by the state government.

Mr Gagan Kapoor, Chairman, CII Himachal Pradesh, urged the state government to improve the infrastructure in industrial areas by putting up social and educational infrastructure to make the state more livable for industry employees and promoters. Mr Kapoor also raised the delay in putting up the Moginand power substation in Kala Amb which has been hanging in the fire for many years.

Mr Navesh Narula, Vice Chairman, CII Himachal Pradesh, raised the issue of pending subsidy cases of the IDS-2017 scheme. Industry members also suggested creating Chandigarh Capital Region and expanding Chandigarh airport as an international airport to provide greater connectivity to Himachal Pradesh and boost the influx of high-net-worth tourists.

In response to these concerns, Mr R D Nazeem reiterated the State Government's commitment to creating an industry-friendly ecosystem in the state. He assured the members that investment promotion is the topmost priority of the new government, and the government is amending the industrial policy of the state to ease the process of doing business. The Bureau of Investment Promotion is being constituted in the industry department of the state, which will replace the existing single window system. Around 5-6 key departments providing most of the permissions to industrial units will be placed under the ambit of the Investment Promotion Bureau, which will make it easier for investors to get various permissions required, such as TCP, 118, Pollution Control, Labour, etc. The state government is also contemplating doing away with the Essentiality Certificate.

The state government is also contemplating doing away with the Essentiality Certificate. The move is expected to give a fillip to investments in the state. Mr. Nazeem's assurances were met with a positive response from the industry members, who expressed their appreciation for the state government's efforts to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.