Industries in Coimbatore have appealed to the State Government to support the units with infrastructure development, reduction in tax and a new industrial policy.
Representatives of some of the industrial associations here met the Minister for Industries P. Thangamani recently. The Minister assured them the support of the State Government and development of facilities to boost the industrial sector, according to T.C. Thiagarajan, president of Southern India Engineering Manufacturers’ Association.
The association representatives highlighted some of the requirements of the industries. Mr. Thiagarajan has said in a press release that a new industrial policy will put the industries on the growth path and it should be drafted involving the industry representatives. The Government should support engineering exports. While procuring motors and pumpsets for Government purchases, priority should be given to products manufactured in Tamil Nadu. “Such interactive meetings with industry owners are a welcome move and will help solve several problems faced by the industry,” R.R. Balasundharam, president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, told The Hindu . The chamber sought focus on infrastructure development in Coimbatore, he said. President of the Coimbatore District Small Industries’ Association R. Ramachandran said the association has appealed to the Government to come out with measures that will boost the development of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs).
The Southern India Mills’ Association has said that value added tax on cotton yarn should be reduced to two per cent from five per cent. States such as Maharashtra have reduced the rate. The Government should support the textile processing sector by facilitating setting up of marine discharge facilities. Processing is the weakest link in the textile value chain.
The representatives also said that process of reclassification of land for industrial purpose should be expedited. The Minister is expected to visit Coimbatore soon and interact with the unit owners here.
