Gwalior Chamber of Commerce has written a letter to Suresh Kumar Sharma, MD, Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation, Gwalior, to reconsider the Corporation’s decision to shut down cottage industries in the city.
Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation had proposed the shutting down of cottage industries, especially textile industries running from residential areas. The corporation officials had noted that these industries are a source of continuous pollution as they discharge untreated toxic waste into drains.
The MPIDC had also asked the owners of the cottage industries to shift their business to the Garment Park, situated at the Chaar Shahar ka Nakka, but according to the office bearers of the Chamber of Commerce it is not financially feasible as the land and infrastructure costs at the Park are way beyond
the means of these small businessmen.
As per the press release by Chamber President Vijay Goyal, Additional President Prashant Gangawal, Vice- President Paras Jain, Secretary Praveen Agarwal and Treasurer Basant Agarwal the cottage industries have always been a part and parcel of the city, contributing to the economy of the area in a substantial way. They added that these industries have been providing jobs to hundreds of people and that they are a vital source of income to many families. This is despite the fact that these industries face a dearth of capital, labour force and proper technology. The office bearers also said that the cottage industries have a great relevance in a place like Gwalior where unemployment and underemployment are widespread.
The Chamber of Commerce observed that instead of shutting down small industries, efforts should be directed towards providing subsidies and developing technology, which in turn will enhance productivity.