The Uttarakhand government is thrilled with the response it is getting from industrialists ahead of the investors’ meet, slated to take place in Dehradun next month. The state government has so far received investment proposals of Rs 74,000 crore. In a move to encourage investment, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat released nine policies in Dehradun on Friday, prepared by various departments.

Rawat said, “Initially there was estimate of MoUs of Rs 40,000 crore. But through the contact established with entrepreneurs in road shows organised at different places, we have received very positive response. The result of this is that till now, investment proposals worth Rs 74,000 crore in the state have been received, whereas MoUs to the tune of Rs 60,000 crore have been signed.”

The nine policies released on Friday include Mega Industrial Investment & Employment Promotion Policy 2018; Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy; Uttarakhand Ayush Policy 2018; Biotechnology Policy 2018-23; Power Generation from pine needles and other types of Biomass Policy-2018; Uttarakhand Aroma Policy 2018; for establishment of Optical Fiber and Mobile Tower Guidelines Policy; Uttarakhand Electric Vehicle Manufacturing EV Usage Promotion and Related Services Infrastructure Policy 2018; and Uttarakhand Tourism Policy 2018.

The Investors Summit will be hosted in Dehradun on 7- 8 October and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it. New policies were formulated while identifying various potential areas for encouraging investment in Uttarakhand. Investments in solar energy, food processing, herbal, organic, Ayush and tourism will benefit the people of hill areas. Entrepreneurs have shown great interest in these areas. Local people will be given priority for projects up to 5 MW in Solar Power Policy. Power Generation from pine needles and other types of Biomass Policy-2018 will be important for the livelihood of the people of hill areas.

The CM said that comprehensive homework has been done for the investors summit. All necessary provisions have been made to promote investment. The Cabinet has met 5 times in a month. The chief minister said they have enough land for the establishment of industrial units. Some other areas have also been selected. In the hill districts, already small industrial estates have been established. District officials have been asked to select more land.