The centre has extended a subsidy scheme for new units in Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttarakhand till March 2017.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the extension under special package for the two states till the end of the 12th five year plan, which expired on 7 January 2013.

All new and existing industrial units on a substantial expansion would be eligible for subsidy of 15 per cent for their investments in plant and machinery.

Subsidies would be available to units in notified areas and to “thrust industries” for units located anywhere in these states. Eligible units should be pre-registered under the scheme, started commercial production or operation before March 31, 2017, and filed claims within one year of the commencement of commercial production.  However, there is no extension in the key tax incentives under the excise and income-tax holiday scheme.