In a significant blow to industrial development, the Central Government has declared 620 industrial units in Uttarakhand ineligible for subsidies under the Capital Investment Incentive Scheme, impacting Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Dehradun districts. Haridwar, the largest investor, saw 251 units disqualified. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry attributed this decision to technical issues and delays in registration applications. Entrepreneurs, frustrated by the loss, have appealed to state officials, urging for intervention to restore subsidy benefits.
Haridwar Industries:Background and Impact
The Industrial Development Scheme (IDS) 2017, launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aimed to promote investments in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. This scheme significantly increased industrial activities in both states, drawing in entrepreneurs who invested heavily in setting up and expanding their units. Under the scheme, 714 industrial units benefitted from subsidies, 350 of which were in Uttarakhand.
However, on July 30, 2024, the Ministry notified the state government that 620 units had failed to register and were, therefore, excluded from the subsidy program. As a result, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Dehradun—the key industrial hubs—faced severe setbacks.
Haridwar Industries:Industry Reactions
Local entrepreneurs have expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision. Anil Marwah, President of the Food Industries Association of Uttarakhand, emphasized the necessity of industrial investment for the state’s growth and the need for government sensitivity in resolving this issue. Suyash Agarwal, Vice President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), echoed similar concerns, noting the adverse impact of denying subsidies to units that had trusted the government’s initiative for economic growth.
Pankaj Gupta, President of the Uttarakhand Industries Association, and Thakur Sanjay Singh, a former state minister and industrial advisor, have also appealed to state authorities, urging them to engage in talks with the central government to find a solution.
Haridwar Industries:District-Wise Breakdown of Affected Units
- Haridwar: 251 units
- Udham Singh Nagar: 134 units
- Dehradun: 95 units
- Garhwal: 34 units
- Nainital: 37 units
- Tehri: 24 units
- Almora: 29 units
- Other regions: Minimal impact
Haridwar Industries:Call for Government Intervention
The industry leaders are now urging Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other political figures to mediate with the central government, ensuring that the subsidy benefits are restored to the disqualified units. The entrepreneurs argue that technical delays should not penalize businesses that had contributed to Uttarakhand’s economic growth by setting up new ventures.
Government intervention is critical to reviving the confidence of investors and maintaining the state’s development.
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