CM Sukhu Unveils Transformative Vision for Industrial Growth in Himachal Pradesh.
Promotion of rural-based industries prioritized; State emerges as global investment destination.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today outlined a bold and transformative roadmap for industrial development in Himachal Pradesh, asserting that the state has emerged as a preferred global investment destination through proactive governance and sustainable planning.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister highlighted the success of the State Government’s flagship “Industry through Invitation” initiative, under which Himachal Pradesh has actively reached out to global and domestic investors instead of passively waiting for proposals. As part of this strategy, the state engaged with international markets such as Dubai and Japan, as well as domestic financial hubs like Mumbai, securing memoranda of commitment worth over Rs. 5,000 crore during the last three years.
“Our government is not merely waiting for investment; we are inviting it with a clear roadmap,” said Chief Minister Sukhu. He informed that the present State Government has approved 683 industrial projects worth Rs. 14,000 crore, which are expected to generate employment opportunities for nearly 32,000 youth in the state.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Himachal Pradesh is diversifying beyond traditional industries and is focusing on high-tech, eco-friendly, and rural-based enterprises. Infrastructure is being strengthened to support green transport, MSMEs, startups, and emerging sectors such as green energy and green hydrogen, positioning the state at the forefront of the sustainable economy transition.
He said that tourism development, expansion of solar energy, creation of future-ready digital infrastructure, and modernization of agriculture through dairy development and food processing are being actively pursued to benefit rural farmers and strengthen the industrial ecosystem.
Recognizing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the state’s economy, the Chief Minister stated that proposals worth Rs. 1,642 crore have been sent to the Central Government for strengthening rural industries, out of which Rs. 109.34 crore has already been sanctioned as initial funding.
Highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship, Sh. Sukhu said that the state has established 14 incubation centers at premier institutions such as IIT Mandi, IIM Sirmaur, and AIIMS Bilaspur. Through these centers, 107 startups have already been launched, while 407 more are currently in the development pipeline.
Under the Chief Minister’s Swavalamban Yojana, the government has approved 1,607 self-employment units involving an investment of Rs. 373.87 crore, providing direct livelihoods to more than 3,500 people, he added.
To ensure ease of doing business, the Chief Minister stated that 180 services have been integrated into a unified single-window portal, offering investors a seamless and transparent experience. Policy reforms include revised construction norms allowing 70 percent land utilization for industrial buildings, along with the notification of 13 new large and micro-industrial areas to meet growing industrial demand.
Chief Minister Sukhu further noted that Himachal Pradesh’s efforts have received national recognition. The state has won the Best Performer Award in State Startup Ranking 2023, Aspirant State Award for Ease of Doing Business 2024, and first prize under the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. Additionally, DPIIT recognized the state 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, reiterating that Himachal Pradesh is open for business and determined to ensure that industrial growth translates into inclusive prosperity for every citizen of the state.
