Himachal sees industry boom

Even though the industrial package for Himachal is nearing its expiry (the industrial package for Himachal is due to expire by 2010), the state continues to enjoy the confidence of the industrialists who are bringing huge investments to the state.

Statistics from industries department revealed that in the fiscal 2007-08, Himachal attracted investment worth Rs 707.37 crore from 842 units, which clearly shows that the state continues to remain a preferred destination owing to its industry-friendly climate.

The investment that the state attracted in 2007-08 was comparable to what the state had been attracting prior to getting the industrial package by the Centre in 2003.

According to data, the state had attracted investment of Rs 709.7748 crore up to 2002-03 while in 2007-08 alone the state has attracted investment worth Rs 706.3733 crore.

According to state industry department officials, the special package that was accorded to Himachal in 2003 has helped the state march ahead on the path of industrialisation.
 

INDUSTRIES DEPT STATISTICS
Year	No of  Units	Investment (in lacs)	Employment  generated
Up to  02-03	30176	70977.48	129871
2003-04	663	3708.48	3769
2004-05	913	8891.44	6412
2005-06	914	12217.30	6611
2006-07	952	45272.78	10665
2007-08	842	70637.33	11302
Total	34460	211704.81	168630

With the notification of the special package in January 2003, the state has attracted about 34,835 industrial units with an investment of about Rs 6,432.40 crore and employment of about 213,000 people.