Nashik-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) want the state government to make it mandatory for its agencies to procure 20% of the goods or spare parts from them. They have also asked the government to reduce power tariff for industries by 5%.
The industries have raised expectations ahead of the state budget to be presented by finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar on March 18.
Sudhir Mutalik, chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), North Maharashtra Zonal council, said, “The central government has made it mandatory for its agencies or public sector undertakings (PSUs) to procure 20% of the components or goods from MSMEs. On similar lines, the state government too makes it mandatory for its agencies, which will help boost the growth of MSMEs in the state. The state Cabinet has approved the procurement policy, but it is yet to be implemented. The government needs to implement it at the earliest.”
“The Madhya Pradesh government recently reduced power tariff for industries by 3%. The power tariff for industries in Maharashtra is higher than other states. The state government needs to reduce it at least by 5% to make the industries competitive,” he added.
M G Kulkarni, President of Laghu Udyog Bharati (North Maharashtra unit), said, “The industries get finance from the banks at an interest rate of around 9-10%, while MSMEs gets it at 12-15%. The finance minister needs to undertake measures to provide finance to MSMEs at the base rate or at 9%.”
“We have been demanding a separate ministry for MSMEs in line with the central government. Last year, the state government announced to set up a separate wing for MSEMEs, but things are yet to move forward. The government needs to speed up the issue for the speedy growth of MSMEs in the state,” he added.
Vivek Patil, President of Ambad Industries & Manufacturers’ Association, said, “Costly land is a major hurdle for industries. The government needs to provide cheaper land so that the industries may use their capital on production and marketing.”
Source: The Times of India
