Bulk drug park will be set up on Himachal’s own terms: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Shimla, February 21

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today accused the previous BJP regime of selling Himachal’s interest in the Bulk Drug and Medical Devices Parks, which, he said, would be set up on Himachal’s own terms.

Work ‘being undertaken’ in phased manner

• Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said work on the Rs 1,923 crore Bulk Drug Park was being undertaken in a phased manner in which Centre will provide Rs 996.45 crore, out of which Rs 225 crore had been released
• “The consultant for obtaining green clearances has been appointed as and a treatment plant with zero emission levels has to be set up at a cost of Rs 350 crore. The project is being implemented as per the strict guidelines of the ministry,” said Chauhan

The Chief Minister was intervening on a query about the delay in the setting up of the park by Jaswan-Paragpur MLA Bikram Singh during the Question Hour in the Vidhan Sabha today. “The previous BJP failed to protect Himachal’s interest in these two projects as thousands of acres of land has been given on a pittance, water and cheap power at the rate of Rs 3 per unit,” said Sukhu. He said the government would bring good companies and set up the two projects but on owns terms and conditions.

Countering the accusations of the Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said Bulk Drug Park was a very prestigious national project, which was awarded to three states, including Himachal, after fierce competition. He added that the entire raw material for the pharmaceutical industry comes from China which will now be produced here at the bulk drug pharma park.

“It was very tough for a small state like Himachal to get the project through tough competitive bidding but unfortunately even after one-and-a-half years, there is no clarity and progress on the project, reflecting the casual approach of the government,” remarked Thakur. He also countered the state government on providing land on a pittance as in the long run state will benefit as it will provide jobs to 20,000 persons and huge returns.

Statement by the CM was countered by BJP legislators by raising slogans. The opposition members left the House raising slogans once the question hour was over.

Earlier, replying to the a query, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said work on the Rs 1,923 crore Bulk Drug Park was being undertaken in a phased manner in which Centre will provide Rs 996.45 crore, out of which Rs 225 crore had been released. “The consultant for obtaining environmental clearances has been appointed as per international norms and a treatment plant with zero emission levels has to be set up at a cost of Rs 350 crore,” he said.

“Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP has been appointed as Transaction Advisor which has given gave three options which includes that the state government invests Rs 1,000 crore or 51 per cent equity of the state government and 49 per cent by other company and thirdly the project could be taken up under PPP mode by leasing it out for 40 years,” he stated. He added that the matter would be placed before the Cabinet for a final decision.

“We have worked with total transparency as global tenders were floated for appointing a Consultant. The project is being implemented as per the strict guidelines of the Ministry, which monitors the progress from time to time,” said Chauhan.