Make in India: Industrialists rue communication gap

Many issues brought to the notice of newly appointed Joint Director of DIC

More than a year has passed since Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Make in India’ campaign to encourage industries. But industrialists rue communication gap for not being able to reap benefits of the same.

At an interaction meeting held with newly appointed Joint Director of District Industries Centre (DIC) Ramakrishna Gowda on Wednesday, Jayantha, president of Hebbal Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association (HIEMA), aired several such grievances, to be resolved over time.

Jayantha said “Though a lot of schemes were available under the Make in India, they are not properly communicated to prospective beneficiaries.”

Jayantha said that other problems were related to basic infrastructural facilities like power, approach roads to industries and manpower issues like shortage of skilled labour.

He pointed out that Karnataka State Finance Commission (KSFC) was lending at eight per cent rate of interest to new entrepreneurs, while the existing entrepreneurs were not entitled for the same. If the same benefit is extended to existing entrepreneurs, it will help in expansion or modernisation of the facilities.

Jayantha said, it would be timely, when starting industries is an herculean task in the State due to the fact that, almost Rs one crore is spent on buying even an acre of land.

Though the land may be taken on lease for a period of 99 years, bank loan is not guaranteed.  In addition to this, securing power connection is a costly affair again, with Rs 6,800 fixed per Hp up to 66 Hp. After 66 Hp, it is treated as high tension and the cost will exceed Rs 20 lakh. In neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, it is too low. For small scale industries (SSI), up to 150 Hp it is treated as low tension and Rs 800 is charged per Hp.  
The DIC was requested to help in getting land for the Skill Development Centre of HIEMA, where it is intended to train rural youth and youth from below poverty lines (BPL) families from the city on actual factory jobs. After successful completion of training, they will be provided jobs in the industries.

Satish, president of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI), also highlighted problems faced by the community. He also requested the joint director to have interaction meeting with associations and consolidate the list in consultation with the body.

In his reply, Ramakrishna Gowda assured to join hands to develop skill development centre of HIEMA, with hostel facilities for trainees. Besides, a single window mechanism will be set up, while the problems being faced by lease agreement will be brought to the notice of higher ups.