Date:06/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/06/stories/2008030651730300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Budget is aimed at garnering votes’

Staff Reporter

A lot was expected but few promises were fulfilled, says FAPI chief

Kakinada: President of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Industries (FAPI) BV Rama Rao said the Union Budget 2008-09 did not address the concerns of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and described it as one meant to garner votes.

Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Mr. Rama Rao said a lot was expected from the budget but few of the promises were fulfilled. He observed that the budget had completely neglected the agro industries, particularly jute and its products.

Jute park

Mr. Rao said he was prepared to set up a jute park in East Godavari district if he was provided land by the Government. With this plea, he met the Collector M Subrahmanyam here this morning.

Mr. Rao who is also Managing Director of Swarnandhra Jute Mills at Pydibheemavaram in Srikakulam district, said he would be able to provide employment to about 5,000 persons if the proposed jute parks took shape.

Mr. Rao said the Congress and the TDP had consistently betrayed the lower strata of society.