Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has informed that the industrial activities will pick momentum in Himachal Pradesh with the Rs 42 crore funding from the Centre for three projects.

The central fund has been awarded to the state under PM Gati Shakti related expenditure of   Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2022-23 from the Union Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, he said, adding that this assistance will go a long way in boosting industrial activities in the state.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, the Chief Minister said the state government had sent four projects amounting to Rs 84 crore for the Central assistance, keeping in view logistics connectivity and industrial development in the state.

However, the screening committee of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has approved three projects of Rs 42 crore. He said that one of the flagship projects under this scheme is setting up an IT Park at Rakh (Nagri) in Palampur Tehsil of District Kangra.

Sukhu said that airport connectivity and climate is highly suitable for IT – enabled industries in the area. The total cost of the project would be Rs 35 crore, he informed. The Chief Minister has directed the Industries Department to increase the size of the park from 250 kanal to at least 1000 kanal so that economies of scale could be encashed for generating employment for local youth.

He also asked for timely execution of these projects.

The Chief Minister also directed to formulate Investment Oriented Open Policies to make Himachal Pradesh the most investor friendly state across the country. Sukhu asked Industries Director, Rakesh Prajapati to visit the identified sites and initiate the process of setting up the IT Park.

He said that it would create employment opportunities for people of Himachal Pradesh in the field of IT and ITES. The Director Industries informed that the development of the IT Park will play a catalytic role in the growth of Small and Medium Industries while providing an impetus to new-age IT start-ups.

It will also create a platform for enterprising youths in the state to join the IT bandwagon driving the country’s technological advancement and provide opportunities for the state’s socio-economic upliftment. He further informed that the other two approved projects are the development of a new industrial area in Bhud and Baddi.