In a significant decision to protect the industrial units from effects of the economic downturn, Himachal Pradesh government today extended the Central Sales Tax (CST) concessions for industrial units up to 2013.

The concessions of 1 per cent CST, earlier granted to the industrial units both small and large-scale units lapsed on March 31 and could not be extended because of the model code of conduct.

Industry department sources said nearly 35,000 industrial units will be benefited by the decision. The decision, taken in the meeting of the state Cabinet, presided over by CM Prem Kumar Dhumal and held for the first time after the elections, is seen as Himachal governments fresh move to raise the issue of extending industrial package up to 2013.

The 10-year industrial package announced by the NDA government in 2003 was cut down to 2007 but later raised to 2010. The BJP government has been asking the Centre to restore the package.