MSMEs in Tamil Nadu to go on strike on September 25
The Hindu
MSMEs in TN to shut on Mon, demand govt withdraw hike in fixed power charges. 165 associations to take part, resulting in loss of work for 3 cr labourers. Revenue loss to govt estimated at ₹1,200 cr. 7-point demand includes extending electricity connection to cottage & micro industries, permitting industries to buy power from private producers & removal of rooftop solar networking charges. MSMEs in TN losing business to those in other States.
Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Tamil Nadu will down shutters on Monday, September 25, demanding the Tamil Nadu government to withdraw the hike in fixed power charges and peak hour charges.
About 165 associations in Tamil Nadu will take part in the strike, resulting in loss of work for a day for almost three crore labourers, said V. Thirugnanam, president of Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA). The revenue loss to the government will be ₹ 1,200 crores, he said.
“We want to draw the attention of the government to the seven-point demands we have presented several times regarding power tariff,” he said.
The micro and cottage industries in the State that have come together under the Tamil Nadu Industrial Electricity Consumers Association had announced that they will go on a strike on September 25.
The Tamil Nadu Associations, representing 21 industrial and trade associations, including the CODISSIA, has said it will also take part in the strike. The seven point demand includes extending electricity connection to cottage and micro industries having upto 12 KW connected load under tariff 3 A (1), permitting industries in LT CT category to purchase power from private electricity producers, and removal of roof top solar networking charges completely.
The components made for pumpsets in Tamil Nadu cost almost 20% higher compared with those made in the northern States. Owners of several micro and cottage industries have moved over to other businesses and MSME units in Tamil Nadu are losing business to those in other States, said the heads of industry associations that are part of Tamil Nadu Associations.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.