A total of eight proposals to establish industrial clusters in backward areas in Tamil Nadu had been forwarded to the Central Government in the last ten days alone, according to G. Sundaramurthi, Industries Commissioner and Director of Industries and Commerce.
The State Government’s small scale industries policy had succeeded in taking industries and entrepreneurs to the backward and less-developed areas in Tamil Nadu, he told The Hindu here on Thursday.
The micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) policy, announced by the Chief Minster M. Karunanidhi in February 2008, has a target of creating employment for 10 lakh persons in the 11th Five Year Plan period.
35 more proposals
It provides for capital subsidy of Rs.40 lakh to establish ventures in 251 backward blocks/industrial estates.
“The General Managers of District Industries Centre (DIC) have said they will give 35 more proposals for establishing the clusters within this month. The officials are going to backward areas now,” he said.
The department officials have been told to go out to the field, meet prospective entrepreneurs/trade associations and ascertain their demands. The officials have been given targets to achieve.
Awareness meetings
Creating awareness of the subsidiaries, schemes and incentives available by conducting interaction meetings and expeditious clearing of files and disbursal of subsidies were also being accorded priority, he said.
“Another awareness meeting has been organised at Tiruvarur district on Friday (November 13) by trade associations, which I will be attending. Such meets will be held in all districts. Streamlining procedures for clearing proposals and cutting down on the delays is also being given focus,” said the Commissioner.
Mr.Sundaramurthi was in the city to take part in a Facilitation Council meeting.
Speaking about these councils, he said that they offered MSMEs an alternative to long and cumbersome litigation processes to settle payment disputes. “Ten cases came up on Thursday, of which two were settled and the rest going through the procedures. Overall, the Facilitation Councils are seeing nearly 80 per cent settlements,” he said.
