State’s new policy evokes mixed response from micro, small and medium enterprises

Ahead of the Assembly election, the Chief Minister has rolled out a policy for the MSME sector which has been grappling with various issues over the last five years. Though industrial estates said they welcomed the policy, many were sceptical about the targets and strategies listed in it. Some even said there could have been a little more detailing to solve the immediate crisis. A few associations pointed out that they were not consulted while this policy was formulated, while another section of the MSMEs was wondering whether the same structure would be followed in case of a change in government after the election. K.E. Raghunathan, convener, Consortium of Indian Associations, who has been highlighting the issues and challenges faced by the sector, said, “While we certainly appreciate the various announcements in terms of creation of infrastructure, financial subsidies, social security support and employment generation, some of the proposed schemes are an extension of what is being offered by the Central government.”