Staff Reporter
More than 100 industrialists attended the meeting
Resolution flays bifurcation of Palakkad Division
‘Corporation should not dump wastes at industrial estate’
KOZHIKODE: The Kozhikode district unit of the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA), at its 44th general body meeting held here on Saturday, has suggested various measures including improvement of rail facilities that would give an impetus to the small scale industries sector.
The meeting was attended by more than 100 industrialists. KSSIA district president M. Khalid presided.
State vice-president V.K.C. Mammad Koya was the chief guest. N.C. Abdullakoya, secretary, presented the report.
A resolution condemned the decision of the Railways to create the Salem Division by bifurcating the Palakkad Division. The meeting sought speedy completion of the Mangalore-Shoranur track doubling work, and electrification of the section at the earliest. In another resolution, the district unit demanded reduction of value added tax on vegetables and fruits to 4 per cent.
Waiver of NOC submission by timber traders for licence renewal and adequate assistance to small scale industrialists who had suffered losses in the monsoon were the other demands. The meeting sought to stall the eviction of small traders from Kallayi and Pallikkandi areas.
In another suggestion, the district unit wanted underground cable system introduced with a view to make power supply more smooth and efficient. With regard to financial assistance sought, the meeting wanted concession rates on the now-imposed service charge and inspection charge.
The meeting pointed to the problems faced in the Cheruvannur-Nallalam industrial belt because of the garbage at Njelianparambu waste dumping yard and wanted the waste treatment plant shifted from there. It also wanted the authorities to ensure that the Corporation did not dump wastes at the West Hill Industrial Estate.
