Date:19/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/19/stories/2008081954060400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Surcharge will hurt industrial sector: Karim

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Electricity Regulatory Commission’s decision to impose a surcharge of 50 paise per unit will have a direct bearing on the industrial sector, Minister for Industries Elamaram Karim has said.

Mr.Karim told mediapersons here on Monday evening that the surcharge would be an additional burden on the industries which were already reeling under the 25 per cent power cut. The real impact had to be studied. It had been decided to revive the 10 per cent price preference scheme for small scale industrial units. The scheme was stopped by the UDF government in 2005. The scheme would be in force till March 31, 2012.

The Minister said that the Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Programme (IHCDP), Thiruvananthapuram cluster, being implemented by Hanveev in association with the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles was conducting the Handloom Show 2008 and handloom buyer-seller meet at Mascot Hotel on October 17 and 18. The event had been planned to promote and develop handloom industry by exploring new markets.

The IHCDP has been initiated by the Union Handloom Development Commissioner to revitalise the sector through a sustained development programme to enable it survive competition. The show will present innovative designs and products. Value-added products will be a major attraction. A seminar has been planned to discuss the opportunities and challenges of the industry. Fashion technology students, designers, dealers and officials will participate in the deliberations.

Around 300 delegates from the State as well as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are expected to attend the show. The event will culminate with a choreographed fashion show.