INDIAN STATE: UTTARAKHAND

General Information

Uttarakhand is the twenty-seventh state of the country. The state was created on 9th November 2000. The total population of the state according to the 2001 census is 84.89 lakh. The population density is 159 (per square kilometer). It is surrounded by China and Nepal on its international boundary. On the domestic boundary, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Nainital surround Uttarakhand.

In recent years, Uttarakhand has emerged as one of the most attractive industrial destinations in India.The government is encouraging private participation in all industrial activities and as a result big players such as HLL and Dabur have set up units in the state.The New Industrial Policy announced in 2003 by the state government puts in place the regulatory framework for Uttarakhand's industrialisation. The New Industrial Policy indicates that private resources may be tapped while promoting integrated Industrial Estates in Uttarakhand.

Fact File

Advantage Uttarakhand

• Udyog Mitra,state level facilitation body has been set up.
• State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIDCUL) has been created to ensure all facilities to industrialists.
• Industrial estates have been established at Haridwar, Pantnagar, Sitargunj, Selakui, Kotdwar, and various other areas.
• New Industrial Policy with wide range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
• The State has rich mineral deposits of limestone, soapstone, magnesite etc., besides minor minerals. Resource mapping is being undertaken.
• Action is being taken to simplify and rationalize the Labour Laws.
• Concessional Industrial Package Announced
• Land Bank - A dedicated land bank being created to provide land for projects across the table.
• Peaceful and Secure Industrial Environment.
• Hydro Power Resource - Potential powerhouse of the Nation. Only 9% of the total hydropower potential has been tapped till now. Uttarakhand is a land of vast water resources. It is proposed to scientifically utilize the immeasurable water wealth and make Uttarakhand an energy state by the year 2016. Tehri dam will prove a major asset in fulfilling this aim.
• Tourism Potential Unmatched - Mountain, leisure, Spiritual, Adventure, Religious, Eco-traditional and high-end tourism along with related services.
• Good Quality of Life - Healthy climate and Pollution free environment
• Major Climate Zones in close Geographical proximity.
• 175 species of Medicinal Herbs found in Uttarakhand.
• Proactive government.

Economic Infrastructure

Power

The state has adequate availability of power and is aiming to further increase hydro power production by over 5000 MW before the end of the present decade. A number of small and medium size hydro sites have been identified to be developed in the private sector or in public-private partnership, besides development of projects in the public sector. These measures have been taken up to ensure supply of quality power to the entrepreneurs setting up industrial units in the state.

The mission of the state with respect to the power sector is:

• Provide 24x7 reliable, quality and un-interrupted supply to its consumers.
  
• Provide "power to all" on demand.
  
• Strengthen the existing power network based on present advanced technology with an objective to reduce T&D losses.
  
• Provide power system network with minimal environmental impact.
  
• Plan and provide strong power system to the state and its consumers at an affordable cost.
  
• Develop a professionally managed organization.
  
• Generate additional revenue for the Corporation and State by developing a strong, adequate, reliable and cohesive power network based on most techno-economical aspects to contribute towards the development and prosperity of the state.
  
• Improve social status of the people.
  
• Reduce poverty of the people.
  
• Provide employment in the rural sections by providing reliable supply.
  
• Establish consumer care centre, central call centre etc. to provide quality service to the consumers.
  
• Release electricity connection to the consumers under Tatkal Sewa within 24 hours for better service to them.
  
• Contribute to the formation of a developed & progressive Uttarakhand state.