Date:18/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/18/stories/2008051854430500.htm

New Delhi

Uttarakhand seeks extension of special industrial package

Sandeep Joshi

NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand Chief Minister B.C. Khanduri has urged the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre to extend the period of special industrial package granted to the State till 2013 to facilitate its industrial and economic development.

In this connection, Mr. Khanduri met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath here over the weekend. The Chief Minister told Mr. Nath that initially while granting the package to the Himalayan State till 2010 the Centre had promised to reconsider extension of the Concessional Industrial Package for the benefit of the State.

‘Boost development’

Mr. Khanduri said the package has helped industrialisation of the new State and granting extension to the package would further boost development of the State. Mr. Khanduri, who has already met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the issue, urged Mr. Nath to convey his sentiments to Dr. Singh so that extension of the package to the State could be ensured till 2013.

“Mr. Nath has assured me that he will talk to the Prime Minister in this regard,” he added.

Mr. Khanduri further said that like the North-Eastern States, Uttarakhand also has to overcome harsh geographical conditions to set up industries. Keeping this in mind, the Centre should grant Uttarakhand special economic status and give concessional packages till 2017 as being given to the North-Eastern States.