Dharamshala: The Himachal Pradesh assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Facilitation of Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2019, amid a walkout by the opposition on Friday.

On the 5th day of the winter session of the assembly, the government introduced the Bill that provides for exemptions to persons setting up micro, small and medium enterprises from various approvals under eight laws for a period of three years or till commencement of commercial production or operation, whichever is earlier.

But Congress and CPM MLAs opposed the Bill, alleging that the legislation was not in the interest of the state and would open doors of Himachal for everyone as it exempts micro, small and medium enterprises from taking mandatory permissions to set up units. They said instead, cases should be sent to a select committee for approval.

Congress MLA Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu alleged that the Bill does not refer to the permission under Section 118 of Himachal Pradesh Land Tenancy & Reforms.

CPM legislator Rakesh Singha opposed the Bill saying that the government brought it in a hurry that may have adverse implications.

BJP member Rakesh Pathania supported the Bill, saying that it would bring more investments in the state.

Later, Congress and CPM MLAs staged a walkout.

The Bill was passed with a voice vote.

Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said the objective of the Bill was to eliminate unnecessary formality in the process of establishing industries in the state. Thakur criticized the opposition for staging a walkout. He said if the opposition should have suggested amendment in the Bill rather than walking out of the House.

“This Bill is for micro, small and medium enterprises and not for big industry,” he said.

Published On : 14-12-2019

Source : Times of India