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Uttaranchal has emerged as a secure investment destination. The State is attracting investors from all over the world, somewhat to the chagrin of its neighbours who at times lose out on investment because of Uttaranchal. The government has strengthened infrastructure in the areas of power supply and road, rail and air transport, which has encouraged big industrial houses to set up base in Uttaranchal.
With the growth of industrial areas in Pantnagar and Haridwar, and with the announcement of a special industrial package, a new industrial revolution has been set off. Single-window clearance facilities and special cells for non-resident Indians have been provided for fast clearance of investment proposals.
In the past three years, the State government has set up State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttaranchal Ltd. (SIDCUL) to provide single-window clearance to industrialists. SIDCUL has been playing an important role in the development of infrastructure and in financial resourcing. An integrated industry directorate has been set up with the objective of attracting industrial investment, providing guidelines and assistance for the development of industries and generating better employment opportunities.
A separate board has been set up to encourage growth in the khadi and rural industry sectors. In the unified industrial area in Pantnagar, the government is developing 600 hectares of a proposed 1,300-hectare land area. More than 80 ha of land has already been allotted to 102 units, which will involve an investment of Rs.400 crores and generate about 700 jobs. In the industrial area being developed around Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Haridwar, 750 plots have been allotted to 500 units. This will involve an investment of Rs.2,000 crores, and generate more than 2,700 jobs. Hero Honda has been allotted 41 hectares of land in Haridwar. The unit will have an investment of more than Rs.500 crores and provide employment to more than 4,000 people. Besides, it has been proposed to allot 470 hectares for industrial infrastructure development in Sitarganj in Udham Singh Nagar district.
The government vigorously invites participation from the private sector in setting up industrial infrastructure. During 2004-05, the government notified five private industrial infrastructure regions where 132 hectares of land is available for industrial establishments.
A sprawling 24-hectare IT park is being developed on Sahasradhara road in Dehra Dun. For small-scale industries, the district industry centres provide services such as industrial development training programmes, guidance to new industrialists, and infrastructure and marketing facilities. In the past three years, 6,525 units were established in the State, in which Rs.9,110.14 lakhs was invested and 1,489 people gained employment.
Under the Pradhanmantri Rojgar Yojana, literate youths are provided loans and subsidies through banks for self-employment. Under the scheme, Rs.2 lakhs is provided in the industry/service sector while Rs.1 lakh is provided for business.
Uttaranchal's performance in this programme has been excellent. In the past three years 17,139 beneficiaries were sanctioned Rs.12,175.79 lakhs while 5,893 participants were trained under the industrial training programme.
The government is going to set up an Urban Haat soon to provide artisans with economic support and encouragement. With 70 per cent financial support from the Centre, this scheme will be executed through the State Industrial Development Board. Traditional and unemployed weavers are provided new models of spinning wheels for producing woollens, cotton and silk. Wool banks are being strengthened.
Impressed with the great potential of Uttaranchal, the Centre has granted a special package of incentives to the State to promote industries. The package envisages excise and income tax exemptions, among other things.
The government announced a new industrial policy in 2003, which will remain in force for five years. The policy aims at providing high-quality infrastructure in the State and enhanced connectivity to the National Capital Region and other leading markets. It lays emphasis on providing single-window facilities, making land available easily for industrial units, encouraging private sector participation in the development of infrastructure projects and providing power without interruption for industries.
It lays special stress on promoting small-scale, khadi and village industries and handicrafts. Industries based on agriculture, horticulture and floriculture have been given special attention in keeping with the unique ecology of the State. Far-flung areas have found special mention.
As a result of all these initiatives, industry response to Uttaranchal has been good. State Industry Secretary Sanjiv Chopra says with pride that all good FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) companies are making a beeline for the State.
"The secret of our success lies in the fact that we play the role of a facilitator. This, along with factors such as good, uninterrupted and cheap power supply, a comparatively better administrative system and proximity to the national market have ensured that industry has been flocking to Uttaranchal," he said.
He added that some eight States, impressed by Uttaranchal's success, had sought its advice on attracting investors.
The government's insistence on planned industrial development and on restricting industrial activity to industrial estates has also inspired confidence among investors.
The Uttaranchal model of industrial development, according to Chopra, has drawn accolades from all quarters, including the Planning Commission, which he says has recommended the model to others.
These efforts have started reflecting in figures. The rate of industrial growth, which was a measly 1.9 per cent during 1993-2000, has jumped to an astounding 18.18 per cent. This has also reflected in the rate of growth of gross domestic product (GDP). During 1993-94, and up to 2001, GDP grew by 3.41 per cent; the growth rate is now 10.86 per cent.
Big players are setting up shop in Uttaranchal. Hindustan Lever Limited, Mahindra & Mahindra and ITC are some of the names that have established units in Haridwar, while in Pantnagar, Nestle, Britannia, HCL, Green Ply and Dabur have set up base. No mean achievement for a State that came into being only a few years ago.
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