Development of industrial sector in the region neglected: FKCCI

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 24, 2019: The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) on Saturday charged successive governments in the State with not evincing keen interest in developing the coastal economy in general, and the industrial sector in particular.

Speaking to presspersons, after a day-long seminar on APMC, GST etc., at Kanara Chamber of Commerce here, FKCCI president Sudhakar S. Shetty said the government should work not only for farmers, but also for the development of trade and industry. Industries generate more employment helping the growth of GDP, Mr. Shetty pointed out.

He said Dakshina Kannada district alone requires about 1,000 acres of land for industrial development with existing facilities at Baikampady, Ganjimutt, and other places being fully exhausted.

Mr. Shetty said the government should immediately allot the JESCO land at Baikampady for the MSME sector.

Tourism sector

Mr. Shetty noted that the governments had also failed to exploit the tourism potential of the vast coastline of the State. Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have exploited the natural resources to generate huge income, while Karnataka has done the least in this sector, he said.

Coastal Development Authority should focus on developing and strengthening tourism infrastructure in the region, he said.

He said Saturday’s technical sessions of the seminar revealed that politicians and bureaucrats have been neglecting the industrial sector in the coastal region.

Dwelling upon the requirements of the trade and industry in general, Mr. Shetty urged the government to do away with periodical renewal of trade licences as it has become irrelevant post-GST. Industrial Water tariff was enhanced multiple-folds, from Rs. 1,800 per MCFT to Rs. 1.5 lakh for water from natural sources and from Rs. 3,200 per MCFT to Rs. 3 lakh for water drawn from tanks or reservoirs.

The government should implement Rs. 1 lakh per MCFT as agreed upon immediately, he demanded.

Mr. Shetty was also critical about gram panchayats levying property tax on industries at their own whim. The government should direct the panchayats to adhere to relevant government orders, he said.

While FKCCI would hold an NRI Conclave in June this year, its ASEAN chambers of Business Meet last month was a huge success with participation from 23 countries, Mr. Shetty added.

Courtesy:The hindu