The owners of small-scale industrial units in the state are upset over the decision of the state government to increase electricity duty. The industrial associations of Una district have urged the government to withdraw the hike alleging that it will make industry of Himachal unviable as compared to the adjoining states like Punjab.
The state government increased electricity duty from 1 per cent to 19 per cent from September 1 on the power being supplied to the industry in the state. It also decided to do away with the concessional power being given to new and expanding units in the state. The scheme to give concessional power to new and expanding units in state was brought in by the previous BJP government to attract investment to the state.
