Improve road infra, ease of doing business in state: CII

Tribune News Service

Solan, February 18

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has demanded disbanding of truck unions in the state because of their unethical and monopolistic practices.

Presenting its budget wish list to the state government, the CII has demanded immediate action to this problem, apart from mooting sustainable growth of the industry through a reform-based agenda.

“The state government should focus on strengthening ease of doing business (EoDB) initiatives, investment in infrastructure and harnessing of competitive advantages. This will go a long way in growth and sustenance of the industry in the state beyond 2020 which marks the sunset of the incentive package that propelled industrialization”, said Rajesh Saboo, chairman, CII Himachal Pradesh State Council.

The state ranks 17th nationally on the key EoDB parameters as per the latest rankings issued by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion with ineffective single window clearance making a huge difference. Being a land locked state, infrastructure is another big area of concern and the state government should invest as well as promote investments in this critical sector.

Major roads traversing through the industrial corridors of the state should be converted into four- lane highways. Apart from this, the government should impress upon the Centre to extend rail connectivity to the state which will not only give a boost to the industry but will also promote tourism. Besides, tourism is yet another employment generating sector in the hill state, added Saboo.

“Power incentive, which used to be the unique selling point of the government and has attracted industry to the state, is no more available on competitive rates. The state government should announce a more competitive power tariff with no further escalation for at least a period of next five years. This will not only help industry to grow and flourish but will also act as an enabler for sustaining the existing industry, observed IMJS Sidhu, Vice Chairman, CII.

The CII also called for a renewed and refreshed version of the state tourism policy with special focus on health and wellness sectors, adventure tourism, rural and orchard tourism.