PM urged to extend industrial package to Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister B C Khanduri has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to extend the industrial package given to the state till 2013.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Khanduri said since this package is coming to an end in 2010, it should be extended by another three years keeping in view the special geographical conditions of the state.

"Many industrialists want to set up new units in Uttarakhand. But they are in dilemma since the industrial package is expiring in 2010. Keeping in view special geographical conditions of the state, the package should be extended till 2013," Khanduri said.

Khanduri's letter came after several industrial chambers led by Industries Association of Uttarakhand (IAU) sought the extension of package to keep the industrial growth continuing in the state.

Khanduri also pointed out that the centre had already extended the industrial package, which was expiring in 2007, for the north-east states by another 10 years keeping in view special geographical conditions of that region. "The incentives given to Uttarakhand are very less than the incentives given to the north-east states," he said.

Khanduri has also written similar letters to all the five Congress Lok Sabha members from Uttarakhand and sought thier cooperation in this regard.