Suspense over guidelines dampens sentiment

Medak identified as potential zone for chemical, engineering, automobile and pharma units

Despite announcement of new industrial policy by the State government, it seems there was not much enthusiasm among the industrialists to invest in the State. The formation of the new State on June and time being taken for stabilisation are also stated to be some of the reasons for the present conditions. Though the State government has announced the industrial policy, the guidelines were not yet received by the authorities.

Basically, the district was identified for the chemical, engineering, automobile and pharma sectors by the government.

In the micro and small industries category, while 515 units were established with an investment of Rs. 685.22 crore and provided employment for about 8,000 persons by March 2013, it has increased to 557 units with an investment of Rs. 520.42 crore and provided employment for about 9,000 persons by March 2014. However, for the year 2014-15, till October, the district was able to attract as many as 185 units with an estimated investment of Rs. 123. 58 crore. These industries were already established and providing employment for about 2,500 persons. In addition, another 242 units are under active implementation with an investment of Rs. 128.43 crore.

As of now, there are about 135 large and medium scale units with an investment of Rs. 4,668 crore with an investment of Rs. 4,668.73 crore and providing employment for about 39,000. The major industries included bulk drugs, drug intermediates, pharmaceutical formulations, pesticides, seed processing, machinery components, granite cutting/ polishing, general engineering and fabrication works.

In the large and medium enterprises list, while 12 units were established by March 2013 with an investment of Rs. 110.76 crore, the number fell to nine by March 2014 with an investment of Rs. 45.05 crore.

Ambitious plans

According to sources in the Industries Department, 12 large and medium scale industrial units are under active implementation with an investment of Rs 458.4 crore. While land was acquired in some cases, some proposals are under consideration.

The government has been proposing to establish industrial estates at IDA-Tumukunta, industrial parks at Narmetta, Buchinelly, Duddeda and Bandamylaram in more than 600 acres.

“We are yet to receive the guidelines though the new industrial policy was announced by the government. Then only we will be knowing in which sector the industries would come forward,” said an official of the Industries Department.