New Industrial Policy Nears Rollout as Himachal Pushes Investment, Ease of Doing Business
SHIMLA, JULY 9: The Himachal Pradesh government is set to unveil a new industrial policy aimed at attracting fresh investment, generating employment and improving the ease of doing business, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced while reviewing the Industries Department on Wednesday evening.
CM is rolling out the new policy at the fag end of the term of the present government when it has only one more year left.
However, the policy's success will ultimately depend on how effectively the government addresses longstanding concerns over land availability, infrastructure, regulatory clearances and investor confidence.
Chairing the review meeting, the Chief Minister said the new policy was in its final stages and would be notified shortly after consultations with stakeholders.
He said the government was simplifying industrial procedures and strengthening the single-window clearance mechanism to make it easier for entrepreneurs to establish and operate businesses in the state.
The announcement comes at a time when Himachal Pradesh is striving to revive industrial growth amid increasing competition from neighbouring states that offer larger land banks, stronger logistics networks and more attractive fiscal incentives.
While the government has repeatedly emphasised "ease of doing business", industry representatives have often stressed that faster approvals alone may not be sufficient unless supported by reliable infrastructure, affordable power, skilled manpower and competitive incentives.
Reviewing the ambitious Bulk Drug Park project at Una, the Chief Minister directed officers to accelerate construction and actively invite reputed pharmaceutical companies to establish manufacturing units.
He said the ₹2,071-crore project would create substantial employment opportunities for the state's youth. According to the government, around 800 bighas of land have already been levelled and site development is progressing rapidly.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to complete the common effluent treatment plant and steam generation facility by July 15, underscoring the importance of developing common infrastructure that would determine the park's operational readiness.
Industrial experts, however, note that timely completion of these shared facilities will be crucial before companies make large-scale investment commitments.
Reviewing the Unity Mall project at Dharamshala, the Chief Minister said the first instalment of ₹66 crore had already been released and site development work was underway.
The proposed mall is expected to provide marketing support for local products and artisans while promoting the state's traditional crafts and small industries.
The Chief Minister also instructed the Industries Department to identify products under the One District Three Products programme, saying the initiative would strengthen the rural economy by creating livelihood opportunities and expanding market access for district-specific products.
The effectiveness of the programme, however, will depend on branding, value addition, quality certification and sustained marketing support rather than product identification alone.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that the government had undertaken several legal and policy reforms during the past three and a half years to improve the investment climate.
Industry observers say the forthcoming industrial policy will be closely watched for concrete provisions on investment incentives, land allotment, environmental clearances, logistics support and employment generation, which will determine whether it can translate policy intent into actual industrial expansion.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Nazeem, Secretaries Ashish Singhmar and Amarjeet Singh, Director of Industries Yunus, Additional Director Tilak Raj Sharma and other senior officers attended the review meeting.
