Shimla: Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) have demanded concessions at par with large industry, particularly in term of interest rates as the industrialists claimed the sector was being discriminated against and was passing through the worst phase.
Speaking at a two day national conference MP Sharma, president Himachal chapter of Laghu Udyog Bharti said, “small scale industry was passing through perhaps the worst phase.â€
Talking about the partisan attitude towards MSME he demanded concession from various agencies should be at par with that given to large units, especially interest rates.
In fact he said that there was a need to treat to MSME units at par with agriculture loan for its survival.
He claimed 90% industry was MSME and contributee 40% of the country’s GDP. The sector provides more than 80% direct employment, mainly to raw and semi skilled labor, but was being largely neglected.
Citing a International Finance Corporation survey, he said doing business in India was more difficult than many other developing nations. To fulfill the11 procedures and start a business venture in India it took 71 days, which was highest in Asia.
He expressed his deep concern over the report of National Commission for enterprises that mentions that the flow of credit from scheduled commercial banks to SSI and allied sector has reduced from 15.42% in 1990-91 to 6.34% in 2006-07.
Sanjay Bhasin, General Secretary of LUB Himachal Pradesh lamented that apathetic government policies failed to keep pace with the developments in the international arena, despite their significant contribution in the national economy.
Vipin Gupta, spokesperson of LUB sought reintroduction of National equity Scheme for interest free loan to qualified and experienced.
Arun Rawat, National Chairman of Pharmaceutical Cell disclosed that there were 30839 small scale units in Himachal against 211 large ones. Though investments made were on 25% in comparison to large units. The small industry war providing 80% employment, said Rawat.
The Laghu Udyog Bharti chamber has also demanded a separated MSME industrial policy like one being followed by the Rajasthan government. Units consuming up 100 KW of power be categorized as small power industry, said Rawat.
Speaking at the conference chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said that it was agriculture and small scale industries that have saved the country. He criticized the Punjab government for approaching Supreme Court against package given to the hill state. The state government would do its best for the redressal of the grievances and difficulties of the small entrepreneurs, he said.
Sushil Gupta, National President LUB said that there was no social security for an entrepreneur. “If a small scale unit fails, the entire assets of the entrepreneurs are attached and he is rendered home less,†said Gupta.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads the team of media professionals at Hill Post.
In a career spanning over two decades through all formats of journalism in Electronic, Print and Online Media, he brings with him enough experience to steer this platform. He lives in Shimla.
