MSMEs seek government help

Micro, small and medium enterprises have been hit hard by the high raw material cost. They have sought the government’s help to resolve their issues, including funding.A.N. Gireeshan, president, the A

Micro, small and medium enterprises have been hit hard by the high raw material cost. They have sought the government’s help to resolve their issues, including funding.

A.N. Gireeshan, president, the Ambattur Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association, said these units had got over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and guestworkers had returned from Bihar and Odisha. But the higher raw material cost, a global phenomenon, was hurting them. “The cost of copper, aluminium and other raw materials has gone up 40%-100%. But original equipment manufacturers are not allowing a commensurate increase in prices,” he said.

Mr. Gireeshan also called for proactive measures from the government. He pointed out the Tamil Nadu government promptly intervened in the labour issue at Foxconn and said the States Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu was constructing hostels at a cost of ₹570 crore at Vallam Vadagal in Sriperumbudur. “We welcome the move. But we have been demanding such a facility for our cluster for long. But nothing has come through,” he said.