Singhbhum of Commerce and Industries ( SCCI) has demanded affordable electricity for industrial hubs at Adityapur and Gamharia.
A delegation of the apex trade body, led by its president Vijay Anand Moonka met the regional manager, JIADA, Prem Ranjan and drew his attention towards the problems being faced by the entrepreneurs. Moonka said the electricity, road systems should be improved in the industrial area so that industrial activities continue smoothly. The allocation of land should not be done on the basis of bidding, but by lottery or any other means so that small entrepreneurs can get the benefit of it. He said that the electricity rate should be reduced.
He demanded that DVC should get the right of distribution of electricity in the area so that the entrepreneurs can get uninterrupted power at an affordable rate. He demanded that big automobile companies should be encouraged to set up industries by inviting them in the area. Small scale industries can get a market and employment can increase.
Through a memorandum, he demanded the resolution of many other problems faced by the entrepreneurs. The regional manager listened patiently to the delegation and assured a positive solution. On the occasion, general secretary Manav Kedia, treasurer Kishore Golcha, secretary (Trade and Commerce) Anil Modi, and Vishnu Goyal were present .
“Over a dozen induction furnaces, along with sponge iron plants, rolling mills and ferro alloy units that require power have stopped production in Dhalbhumgarh in East Sighbhum and Seraikela Kharsawan due to high power tariff,” said an official of SCCI.
Meanwhile, the Adityapur industrial area, which is one the largest industrial belts in Asia, is feeling the pinch of the slow down. “We are facing a tough time because the market has slowed down. The market conditions are not favourable. In place of three shifts, the (ancillary) units are operating one shift a day during the last three weeks and we do not expect any sign of improvement in the near future,” said an official of Adityapur Small Industries Association (ASIA).
According to information, these industrial units are also taking elaborate measures to control costs. Many have reduced the use of commercial generators at their premises. Other facilities like use of company vehicles are also being restricted. Plans are also being made to introduce a no work half payment policy for the workers whose job is permanent in nature and also reduce the fringe benefits given to the officials.
