CII demands speedy investment approvals in Himachal

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sunday asked Himachal Pradesh to ensure time-bound approvals for investment proposals, reform industrial policy and also strengthen the road network.

In the pre-budget memorandum given to the government ahead of the state budget 2015-16, CII state council chairman Arun Rawat has sought policy reforms in the areas of labour, taxation and land.

He said strengthening the single-window clearance agency for time-bound approvals, removal of procedural bottlenecks for new projects, minimising the human intervention by implementing E-governance within various departments should be given priority in the budget, likely to presented next month.

"CII has strongly advocated a new industrial policy with special thrust on enhancing the ease of doing business, job creation, sustainable development, entrepreneurship promotion and skill development," a statement quoting Rawat said.

On infrastructure development, the CII has recommended to strengthen the existing road network and expedite the process of four-laning of major national highways across the state.

In order to leverage the vast tourism potential in the state, the CII has also stressed on the need to enhance air connectivity in the state.

There should be regular flights from various cities to Shimla. The state government should construct ropeways, promote the concept of heli-taxis and build wayside amenities under public-private-participation (PPP) mode, it added.

Tourism, horticulture and hydro-power generation are major contributors to the state's economic development.