The President of the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA), M. Karthikeyan, met with the Finance, IT, MSME, and Industry Ministers in Chennai to discuss the demands of 13 industrial associations. One of the key demands was for the Tamil Nadu government to provide a 25% subsidy to Micro, Small, and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) to install rooftop solar energy panels. This, Karthikeyan said, would help reduce power demand and was a cost-effective way for the state to meet its increasing power requirements, which are growing by 8-12% annually.
The representatives also urged the government to waive Memorandum of Deposit (MoD) charges for micro and small industries when registering documents for bank loans. A. Sivakumar, president of the Coimbatore Tiruppur Districts Tiny and Micro Enterprises Association, suggested providing relief and support measures for micro units on solar energy and setting up of industrial estates.
J. James, president of the Tamil Nadu Association of Cottage and Tiny Enterprises, wanted the government to provide relief from annual hikes in property tax and electricity tariffs to micro and cottage industries. He also proposed the creation of a welfare board for micro enterprises similar to the one for construction workers. The meeting aimed to bring together various stakeholders to discuss issues and find solutions to benefit the industrial sector in Tamil Nadu.
The suggestions made by the associations highlight the need for the government to provide support to MSMEs, which are the backbone of the state’s economy. By providing subsidies, waiving charges, and offering relief from annual hikes, the government can create a more conducive environment for these units to thrive, ultimately contributing to the state’s economic growth.