By IANS,
Chandigarh: Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma Friday said that there was nothing wrong in providing benefits to the industries in hill states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, and maintained this strategy was drafted keeping in mind the broader viewpoint.
The Akali Dal-led Punjab government had recently lashed out at the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for making Punjab a highly taxed island surrounded by hill states enjoying a tax holiday. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the UPA for destroying the industrial base in the state.
Refuting the allegations, Sharma said: “They are just exaggerating the issue. We are committed to an overall growth of all states and we would provide help wherever it is required. There is no question of any state getting particular benefits.”
“Here we cannot satisfy those people who have narrow vision. We need to have larger perspective and global growth should be kept in mind,” he told reporters here.
On the issue of industries shifting out of Punjab, Sharma said: “I do not think that many industries have shifted out of here. If they have gone to Baddi (in Himachal Pradesh), then it is not too far from here. There are some special category hill states that have lack of infrastructure, poor connectivity and very less scope of development; we have to improve the situation.”
Sharma had come to this union territory Friday to take part in an interactive session with the industrialists of the region.