Industries are shutting down in the state, but not due to withdrawal of spl pkg: Himachal MSMEs

Baddi, June 3 (KNN) Putting an end to the news which has been doing rounds on industries moving out of Himachal Pradesh because of withdrawal of special package, the MSMEs said the industries are shutting down or moving out but for different reasons.

On Wednesday, State Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri told the media persons that, “There is no flight of industry and no industrial unit has been closed or shifted from the state and the allegations of the opposition regarding closing or shifting of units was a part of political agenda of the opposition and contrary to facts."

Agnihotri said even after withdrawal of Special Industrial package, the investors attracted to set up units in Himachal due to congenial investment environment, responsive government and incentives offered by the state government at its own level.

He also said that Baddi has emerged a Pharma Hub of the country and 35 per cent of the total drugs manufactured in Asia are produced in Baddi.

Talking to KNN, Shailesh Aggarwal, President, Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Industries Association (BBNIA), said, “The Industries have not left from here due to the withdrawal of industrial package. Around 20 industries had closed due to different reasons like bank related issues, partnership etc. Meanwhile, around 2000 factories are working in the area.”

He also said that the industries have closed down, but there has been expansion too.

“We don’t see any political agenda behind the matter, because both the parties Congress and BJP want development of the state. Package was given by the then BJP Government headed by Atal Bihar Vajpayee in 2003 to 2013. But neighbouring states like Punjab objected the package given to us, Punjab Government went to Supreme Court on the matter, and then in 2010 the package was withdrew by the UPA Government. State Government has no role in this.”

He, however, said that Himachal Pradesh deserves the special package as it is a hilly state and there is much need of industrial development. (KNN Bureau)