Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan recently provided an update to the Himachal Pradesh State Assembly detailing the encouraging progress made in the creation of a Medical Device Park in the Solan district. It is anticipated that this 265-acre project in the Nalagarh assembly constituency’s Manjholi village panchayat will generate a sizable number of jobs. Chauhan affirmed that when the park is open, it will create about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
This ambitious project, which has a December 31, 2025 completion date planned, is wholly funded by the government of Himachal Pradesh. The Minister guaranteed that the development plan calls for the construction of up to 65 industrial units within the park and that all required technical clearances have been obtained. The objective of this endeavor is to enhance the regional economy and establish Himachal Pradesh as a major participant in the medical device production industry.
During the assembly session, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu gave an update on the Medical Device Park as well as insights into other urgent issues. He stated that 2,708 forest fire occurrences were reported in Himachal Pradesh between January and June of 2024. Thankfully, no one was harmed in these incidents, demonstrating the efficacy of emergency response protocols.
Concerns about the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s (HPTDC) financial performance were also addressed by Chief Minister Sukhu. Thirty-five of the HPTDC’s 55 hotels have experienced decreases in revenue in the last 12 months. Among those reporting deficits were well-known establishments including Willy’s Park Shimla, Parwanoo, Ros Common, Kasauli, Hotel Apple Blossom, Fagu, Hotel Golf Glade, Naldehra, Hotel Dhauladhar, Dharamshala, and Shiwalik. Nonetheless, the remaining 20 hotels turned a profit, indicating that the tourism industry’s financial performance was not uniform.
These updates show Himachal Pradesh during a time of major progress and difficulties. The Medical Device Park, which promises significant job creation and economic growth, represents a significant investment in the industrial infrastructure of the state. On the other hand, despite the general health of Himachal Pradesh’s tourism business, the problems encountered by HPTDC’s hotels point to continued financial difficulties in the industry. The administration is taking a proactive stance toward regional development and economic stability as seen by its attempts to address these issues and seize new opportunities.
SOURCE :
BUSINESS STANDARD
