Chandigarh: Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri claimed that the Himachal Pradesh was fast developing as centre of attraction for investors due to availability of cheap and uninterrupted power supply and peaceful and conducive environment for setting up the industries. He claimed that many big industrial houses such as Vardhman and Tata have expressed their willingness to invest in the State.

Addressing the media at Chandigarh today, Agnihotri said that State had made it mandatory to give approval within 90 days to the project proposals which was attracting investors to the State. He said that it was being assumed that investment in the State would be affected due to withdrawal of Special Industrial Package but with the concerted efforts of the State Government, the investment was constantly increasing.

The Industries Minister said that three new industrial areas worth Rs. 100 crore each were being developed in the State. Besides, the State Government was making efforts for developing infrastructural facilities and setting up projects in different areas adding that a high level meeting with Anand Sharma, Union Commerce Minister would be held on 11th January, 2014 in this regard. He hoped that issue regarding giving early approval to important projects and pending industrial issues would be discussed in the meeting.

Replying to a question regarding present political scenario in the State, Agnihotri said that if any body had any evidence against Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, he should file complaint with the Lokayukta. He said that the opposition was making false allegations against Chief Minister due to their frustration from development works which had taken place in the State.