Upcoming projects to employ 80 pc locals: Himachal CM

At least 80 percent of the state's youth will get jobs in the upcoming private projects, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said today.

The government will ensure at least 80 percent employment opportunities for Himachalis in the upcoming private power, industrial and tourism projects, Thakur said in a meeting of investment targets in tourism, multipurpose power projects and power and industries here.

The chief minister further said that the state has immense power potential and if fully exploited, has the capacity to transform the state's economy.

Five hydro power projects with a total capacity of 594 MW would be completed by next year. Eleven other projects with total capacity of 307 MW would be completed within the next few years, Thakur said.

While reviewing the investment targets achieved in industries department, the CM said electricity duty on existing industries was reduced from four to two percent in small scale industries and from ten percent to seven percent in case of medium scale industries.

Thakur said several man-made and natural water bodies of the hill-state could be developed as a major tourist attraction and that possibilities should be explored to introduce water sports activities in the Chamera water reservoir.

Similarly, Pong Dam could become a major attraction not only for bird-lovers but also for water sports enthusiasts.