225 industries yet to open units in U'khand

The industry might be losing interest in the concessional industrial package (CIP) 2003 after the expiry of the cent per cent excise exemptions for the hilly regions.

But the CIP has done wonders in the six industrial parks during the past 5-6 years in Uttarakhand where an investment of Rs 15,675 crore poured in till March 31 when the key excise exemption expired, according to an analysis.

After the announcement of the CIP in 2003, the state Infrastructure and Industrial Development of Uttarakhand Limited (Sidcul) developed six industrial estates including Sitarganj in the PPP mode. In all the six industrial parks, a total of 1,488 units were allotted land out of which 1,008 industries had already come under production.

However, 225 companies, which were allotted land, have not shown any interest to set up new units so far. This has become a big worry before the state government. Besides, a total of 255 units, which are still under construction, would not be able to get the benefits of the excise exemption. Under the rule, the industries should have started production till March 31, 2010 in order to avail of the sops under the CIP. Other benefits like income tax and capital subsidy would continue till 2013.

On the other hand, the Pantnagar Industrial Estate where top-notch companies like Tata Motors, Nestle, Dabur and Britannia set up units, has been able to attract an investment of Rs 7,109 crore which was closely followed by Haridwar entailing an investment of Rs 6,041 crore. But Haridwar was able to attract nearly 600 units whereas in Pantnagar 470 units set shops.

In the Haridwar Industrial Estate, which was built on 1,695 acres area, a total of 144 units have still not started production. The situation is better in Pantnagar where only 24 units are under construction.

The industrial process remained tardy in the Sitarganj Industrial Park which was developed under the PPP mode. Here a total of 190 industries which were allotted land did not show interest in setting up new units.

However, Pharma City at Selaquie in Dehra Dun district was able to attract investments worth Rs 241 crore from 32 units. Similarly, the Kotdwar Growth Centre also attracted 37 units entailing an investment of Rs 113 crore.

The IT Park at Dehra Dun has also attracted investment of Rs 171 crore.