Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in and around Coimbatore will down their shutters on May 5 to protest against the power supply situation. They will also take out a rally on the day.
A release issued here on behalf of 22 industry associations said that the presidents of all the associations in Coimbatore and also neighbouring districts had decided to ask all their members to close their industries and participate along with their work force in the rally to protest against the power supply situation.
The 22 associations that decided on the strike and procession are the Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association, Coimbatore District Small Industries Association, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, Southern India Mills' Association, Institute of Indian Foundrymen, Tamil Nadu Association of Cotton and Micro Enterprises, Coimbatore Tirupur District Micro and Cottage Entrepreneurs Association, Tamil Nadu Electricity Community Association, South India Small Spinners Association, Coimbatore District Electroplaters Association, Coimbatore SIDCO Industrial Estate Manufacturers' Association, Coimbatore Tiny and Small Foundry Owners Association, Tamil Nadu Pump and Spares Manufacturers Association, Coimbatore Wet Grinders Accessories Manufacturers Association, Kovai Power Driven Pumps and Spares Manufacturers Association, Small Scale Industrial Entrepreneur Association, Textile Machinery and Mill Stores Merchants Association, Ganapathy Industries and Traders Welfare Association, Coimbatore District Plastics Manufacturers Association, Coimbatore Steel Ingot Manufacturers Association and Coimbatore Industries and Foundry Owners Association.
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The resolutions passed at the meeting said power cut should be implemented uniformly for all high-tension customers in Tamil Nadu, including multinational companies, special economic zones and commercial consumers. Load shedding should be carried out only as per announced schedule, equally across the State, including Chennai.
The State Government should take immediate steps to commission new power projects based on demand and ensure proper maintenance of existing power plants.
The State Government should insist that the Central Government allot 75 per cent of power produced in Neyveli, Kalpakkam and Koodankulam stations to Tamil Nadu. It should give priority to strengthen the southern grid.
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The government must immediately pay outstanding dues to promoters of wind mills.