Shimla, Sep 5 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh has cleared 22 industrial proposals including seven new and 15 for expansion worth Rs.784 crore, an official said here on Saturday.

The projects will provide employment to over 1,500 people in the state, a government spokesperson told IANS.

Paras Spices, Birla Textile Mills and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. were among the seven industries to set up new facilities.

Among the expansion proposals cleared by the cabinet on Friday were Pidilite Industries Ltd., Torque Pharmaceuticals Private Ltd., Alaina Healthcare Private Ltd. and Livgurad Batteries Private Ltd.

Torque Pharmaceuticals is now venturing into manufacturing cotton yarn, mineral water and soaps.

Paras Spices has proposed to set up controlled atmosphere stores, while Birla Textile would manufacture cotton synthetic and blended yarn, and Indian Oil would produce unleaded motor spirit.

To ensure time-bound clearances of industrial projects, the state has decided to grant permission to industrial proposals within 45 days.

There are 502 medium and large-scale industries and 40,429 small-scale industries in the state with an investment of about Rs.18,307 crore, the state's economic survey for the period 2014-15 stated.

The state's economy is highly dependent on hydroelectric power generation, horticulture and tourism.