Himachal Pradesh: CM Sukhu announces bold strides in industrial growth

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 29 (ANI): Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday detailed a transformative vision for Himachal Pradesh's industrial landscape, highlighting the success of the 'Industry through Invitation' initiative.
According to an official release, under this "proactive" outreach strategy, the state has successfully positioned itself as a premier destination for high-tech, sustainable and rural-based industries.
"Our government is not merely waiting for investment; we are inviting it with a clear roadmap," said Chief Minister Sukhu, as per the release.
"By engaging with global markets in Dubai and Japan, and with domestic hubs like Mumbai, we have secured memoranda of commitment totalling over Rs. 5,000 crore in the last three years, he said. The present state government have approved 683 industrial projects worth Rs. 14,000 crore, which are set to generate employment for approximately 32,000 of our youth," he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the state is diversifying beyond traditional sectors. The state government is establishing the necessary infrastructure to support eco-friendly transport and empower MSMEs and Startups. The Chief Minister said that Strategic focus was being placed on green energy & green hydrogen to attract investors and lead the transition toward a sustainable economy.
Additionally, harnessing solar energy through tourism, building the digital infrastructure of the future, and transforming the agriculture sector by modernising dairy and food processing to benefit rural farmers will go a long way toward strengthening the industrial sector.
Recognising MSMEs as the backbone of the state's economy, the government has submitted proposals worth Rs. 1,642 crore to the Central Government to strengthen rural industries, with initial funding secured of Rs. 109.34 crore, the release stated.
"We are fostering a strong culture of innovation," the Chief Minister stated. "Through 14 incubation centres at prestigious institutions such as IIT Mandi, IIM Sirmaur, and AIIMS Bilaspur, we are nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs," he stated, adding that 107 startups have successfully launched and another 407 are in the development pipeline.
Sukhu stated that under the "Chief Minister's Swavalamban Yojana", the state has approved 1,607 self-employment units with an investment of Rs. 373.87 crore, creating immediate livelihoods for over 3,500 people.
He stated that to ensure a seamless investor experience, the state has integrated 180 services into a unified single-window portal. Significant policy shifts have also been implemented, including revised construction regulations that allow for 70 per cent land utilisation for industrial buildings. Furthermore, the government has notified 13 new large and micro-industrial areas to accommodate the surge in demand.
The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh's efforts have received national recognition, with the state winning the "Best Performer Award" in the State Startup Ranking 2023, Aspirant State Award for Ease of Doing Business 2024, and first prize under the PM formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. The state was also recognised by DPIIT in 2025 for excellence in the Health and Services sectors and for outstanding performance in Construction Permit Enablers.
"These awards are a testament to our commitment to transparent and efficient governance," the Chief Minister said. He said that Himachal Pradesh is open for business and is dedicated to ensuring that industrial growth translates into prosperity for every citizen of our state. (ANI)