Green subsidies do not excite industries

 
The subsidies applicable to small and medium enterprises include up to Rs one lakh for installing rainwater harvesting,  up to Rs 5 lakh each for waste water recycling process and zero discharge process (in which the industry should not allow even a drop of water to go waste) and 10 percent of cost of energy conservation systems or non-conventional sources of energy (up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh).

Industries have to file the applications seeking subsidy before joint directors of Industries and Commerce in districts. The Karnataka Council for Technological Upgradation, a joint venture of Union and State government has been vested with the responsibility to handle the applications. A committee headed by KCTU Chairman Dr Rajkumar Khatri, who is also Commissioner for Industries and Commerce scrutinises the applications. The council is organising workshops, seminars across the State to popularise the subsidy schemes.

However, according to B S Sirsikar, Managing Director of KCTU, he has received no application so far. “The response is not good because industrialists normally prefer investing on infrastructure facilities that increase production rather than on conserving water and energy. The government gives only 50 percent of subsidy, not exceeding Rs one lakh, in case of rainwater harvesting and water recycling. Only if they are ready to invest Rs two lakh, they get subsidy of Rs one lakh,” he said.

No facilities

However, industrialists hold the government responsible for the situation. Chairman of Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industries J Crasta said that more than 90 percent of industries in the State were located in industrial layouts developed by various government agencies with no scope for rainwater harvesting.

“The government should first provide proper drainage system in the layouts. If there is no proper infrastructure facility to allow the flow of rainwater in the area then how can water can be conserved?,” he asked.

Details on the schemes can be had from KCTU in Bangalore at 080-22250772/ 22266348 or offices of Joint Directors at districts.

On offer

Subsidies for Small and Medium enterprises

* Rainwater harvesting - Max Rs 1 lakh

* Waste water recycling - Max Rs 5 lakh

* Zero discharge process - Max Rs 5 lakh

* Energy conservation measures - Max Rs 5 lakh