New Delhi, Mar 29 (ANI): Congress leaders from Uttarakhand met party President Sonia Gandhi on Monday to seek an extension of the Concessional Industrial Package (CIP) for the state for another three years.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -led Government in Uttarakhand has sought the extension of the industrial concession package till 2020.

“We want industrial development (of the state) but Indian government should also get taxes. Why we should extend industrial concession (for such a long period)? Why we should not tax them for 20 years? It is a loss to the nation,” said Congress leader Vijay Bahuguna.

“We need to strike a balance between regional development and tax collection. The period will be extended but BJP is giving it a dramatic colour,” Bahuguna added.

Congress leaders claimed the package might be extended as per their demand.

“We are sure that industrial package will be extended. All of us along with observer of the state, R K Dhawan, are going to meet the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh this evening or tomorrow, to demand the extension of the package till 2013,” said Congress leader Tilak Raj Bahal.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank along with his entire cabinet called on Dr Singh to demand an extension of the Concessional Industrial Package (CIP) for the state for another ten years.

The state government wants the Centre to extend the package — ending on March 31 2010 — till 2020 on the lines of a similar provisions extended to the northeastern states.

Nearly 2,000 industrial units have been set up since the launch of the package, which provides tax holiday for them.

According to the state government, it has resulted in jobs for 121,811 people. (ANI)