· HP Govt. sings 614 MoUs with investment of Rs. 93,000 crore
Dharamshala / 08 November / Rajan Chabba
While presiding over the valedictory function of the Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet held at Dharamshala Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal today said that the diversity makes Himachal Pradesh as best destination for investment and the State Government has made it possible for the entrepreneurs to invest here by investor friendly policies. He said that the presence of large number of entrepreneurs in this summit reflects how Himachal Pradesh has opted the higher growth trajectory and was marching ahead on the path of development.
Union Minister said that natural beauty, the environment, the unique flora and fauna of the region, its large bio‐diversity, rolling hills, snow-capped mountains green valleys, virgin forests and diverse culture and traditions makes Himachal Pradesh the paradise for tourists. He urged the participants to explore opportunities in tourism sector.
Shri Goyal said that Himachal Pradesh has highest literacy rate and the initiatives taken by the State to buzz Himachal with industrial activities are commendable. He said that the people friendly policies of the State Government would definitely attract investment in the State. He complimented the State Government for successful organising this event and opening the doors for investment for not only India but also around the world.
The Union Minister said that the country was forging agreed on the path of progress and prosperity under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has set a goal to make the country a $ 5 trillion economy and the last five years, we have added about one trillion dollars to it. We are working hard to achieve the goal of $ 5 trillion, he added. He also congratulated the one percent to the country’s economy.
He also went around the exhibition stall and envisaged keen interest in it.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Bandaru Dattatraya congratulated the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur for organizing this historic event successfully. He said that Himachal was a suitable place for investment where everything was available from the men force to resources. He also congratulated the investors for showing keen interest in investing in the state.
Shri Dattatraya said that Himachal Pradesh also offers one of the lowest power tariffs in the country which was an added attraction to the entrepreneurs besides various other incentives. He added that the state has natural resources, hardworking manpower, peaceful atmosphere, better law and order situation and good governance. He congratulated Chief Minister for creating a business friendly and development friendly environment in the state in a very short span of time.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing the valedictory session said that said that the State Government has notified several policies in the State to facilitate the entrepreneurs interesting to invest.
Jai Ram Thakur said that endeavour of the State was to make Himachal Pradesh a favourite destination for investment in industries, power, tourism, Agriculture, Ayush, IT, Infrastructure and allied sector. He said that the State Government has notified industrial and investment policy, tourism and eco-tourism policies, film policy, information technology policy, AYUSH policy, and solar power policy, affordable housing policy. These policies clearly bring out Government’s resolve of inclusive and sustainable development in the state, he added.
Chief Minister said that the State Government took maiden effort to organise this mega event which was indeed a historic but challenging decision. However with the cooperation of the entrepreneurs the event was poised to go as a major event to transform the economy of the State. He said that the efforts was also possible due to the continuous encouragement, help and support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers.
Jai Ram Thakur said that till now as many as 614 MoUs have been signed which would attract an investment of about Rs 93,000 crore. He said that efforts would be made to ensure that the MoUs signed gets all support and help so that they get started at the earliest. He said that the concerned departments would ensure effective follow up to get various clearances and approvals for the projects.
Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur congratulated the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur for organising this event which was bound to change the economy ad socio-economic scenario of the State. He said that Development of MSME sector was a priority for the Union Government as this was the back-bone of our industries. In this year’s budget, for ease of access to credit for MSMEs, our government has introduced providing of loans upto rupees one crore for MSMEs within 59 minutes through a dedicated online portal.
He said that under the Interest Subvention Scheme for MSMEs, Rs. 350 crore have been allocated for financial year 2019-20 for two percent interest subvention for all GST registered MSMEs, on fresh or incremental loans.
Industries Minister Bikram Singh while thanking the Union Minister and the industry leaders to grace the occasion invited the investors to come forward and invest in Himachal Pradesh. He assured that the State will extend all possible help to the investors. He said that land banks have been established to provide land to the entrepreneurs easily.
Chief Secretary Dr Shrikant Baldi while making a presentation on the activities and events held during the two day mega event said that the State Government would ensure that the MoUs signed would see the day of light at the earliest.
Director General of Confederation of Indian Industries (National Partner) Chandrajit Banerjee said that that Himachal Pradesh has immense potential for emerging as a major industrial hub of the country. He said that CII was opening as a Skill Institute at Dharamshala for Skill upgradation of the youth.
Chairman Hero Group Rahul Munjal said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister the industry has seen a solid foundation for setting up new industries and expansion of existing units. He also appreciated the investors friendly policies framed by the State Government.
Chairman Vardhman Group Sachit Jain also spoke on the occasion.
Founder Chairman Sampark Foundation Vineet Nayar said that presently the Foundation was running Sampark Smart Shala in 76,000 schools of six states of the country. He said that the Foundation has started working towards enhancing learning out comes for millions of children of India.
Additional Chief Secretary Industries Manoj Kumar presented vote of thanks.
Wife of the Chief Minister Dr. Sadhna Thakur, Speaker Vidhan Sabha Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Whip Narender Bragta, State BJP President Satpal Satti, MPs Kishan Kapoor, Ram Swaroop Sharma and Suresh Kashyap, MLAs, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations, Chairman CII Himachal Harish Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretaries, Secretaries, Heads of Departments and other senior officers of the State Government were present on the occasion among others.