Summary:
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh has improved its score in the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ ranking of states and the Union Territories (UTs) prepared by the World Bank and the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP). While chief secretary Vineet Chawdhry did not respond to calls, industries minister Bikram Singh was busy in a meeting. While in 2016 the state was ranked at 17th place, this time it has managed to secure 16th position across the country.Official sources said for the ease of doing business to attract industries, Himachal Pradesh has taken several steps in the past like investors friendly excise and taxation by offering e-services for effective, transparent and speedy disposal. Besides various tax subsidies, there is online application system for setting up of industries and time-bound project approvals within 45 days for a new enterprise backed by the State Service Guarantee Act.The state has also set up an investment promotion cell to promote the state as ideal industrial investment destination and to facilitate industrial investors. As part of incentives for thrust industrial sectors, out of turn allotment of land, plot, industrial shed is made, besides giving some exemption in state duty and subsidy.In April this year, the Centre had announced industrial development scheme to new and existing industrial units engaged in manufacturing and service sector in Himachal Pradesh..