HP asks Centre to raise cap on investment subsidy for industry

Himachal Pradesh government today requested the Union Commerce Ministry to enhance the limit of capital investment subsidy for industry from the present Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
The demand was put forth by Himachal Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri who called on Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma here.
Agnihotri also thanked Sharma for restoring the Capital Subsidy and Transport subsidy to industrial units of the state.
He said the Centre has agreed in-principle to sanction funding to the tune of Rs 100 crore for six projects under the Commerce and industry Ministry's Assistance to states for creating Infrastructure for the Development and growth of Exports (ASIDE) Scheme, adding the state has already submitted detailed project reports of all such projects.

The Minister also sought Rs 165 crore for various infrastructure development projects in the state.
Agnihotri said the state government would provide suitable land for setting up Rs 30 crore regional centre of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Shimla, saying it will benefit micro, small and medium enterprises in the state.

The state will also provide suitable land for setting up of Spice park at Nadaun, he said, adding that Agriculture University in Palampur has agreed to transfer 10 acre land for the purpose.
The Himachal Minister said the issue of lease money between spice board and agriculture university would be settled at the earliest in the larger public interest of the state.

Agnihotri requested Sharma to provide adequate funds for development of new industrial areas in Una, Shimla and Solan districts for facilitating the setting up new industry.
He also appreciated the Centre's step in announcing the opening of a regional centre of tea board at Palampur and a pilot project for coffee plantation in the state.
The state has also sent a proposal for opening vegetable packaging and processing centres at Solan and Nagrota bagwan and suitable land for these centres will be selected soon.
Sharma appreciated the issues raised by the state and assured of Centre's positive support in establishing them in a time-bound manner.