TN's first industrial policy out
Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Friday released the much-awaited State policy for the micro, small and medium industries (MSMI), aimed at a multi-pronged approach for the growth of industries. Minister for Rural and Small Industries Pongalur N Palanisamy told journalists at the Secretariat that such a policy was formulated for the first time in the State. He said the incentives announced in the policy would be given to the industrial units which had taken effective steps to set up their units on or after August 1, 2006 and commenced commercial production on or after February 22, 2008. Establishment of multistoreyed flatted industrial estates for micro industries, creation of a rehabilitation fund for sick enterprises, reservation of up to 20 per cent of land in all SIPCOT estates for MSMI and up to 30 per cent of area for micro industries in SIDCO estates are some of the key measures. The main would be on enhancing competitiveness and scalable capacity of MSMI besides encouraging agrobased industries for increasing value addition and giving better income to the farmers, he said. The policy also aims at a sustained annual growth rate of over 10 per cent for MSMI and to promote 10 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities during the Eleventh Plan period. Salient features of the policy Setting up of multi-storeyed flatted industrial estates for micro industries Creation of Technology Development Fund Setting up of rehabilitation fund for sick enterprises Establishment of industrial clusters and mini tool rooms under public-private partnership mode Help for creating centres of excellence and technology business incubators Export policy being evolved to encourage export of micro, small and medium (MSMI) industries Subsidy schemes for agro-based industries set up in 385 blocks 15 per cent special capital subsidy for 10 thrust sector industries 50 per cent subsidy on cost of filing a patent application and trade mark registration 50 per cent rebate on stamp duty and registration charges for MSMI in backward areas Subsidy schemes for micro industries set up anywhere in Tamil Nadu