Tamil Nadu

Industries seek subsidy on diesel

KRISHNAGIRI: Small and tiny industries have sought 50 per cent subsidy for diesel used for generating power during the load shedding period.

Mr. V. Gnanasekaran, Treasurer, Hosur Small and Tiny Industries Association (HOSTIA) told The Hindu that, “agriculture is a priority sector. Next to agriculture are small and tiny industries which employ a large number of unskilled and semi-skilled labourers in urban and rural areas.”

“Keeping this in mind the State Government can extend the diesel subsidy to the small and tiny industries. This subsidy should be granted for 50 per cent of the diesel consumed during the load shedding period for power generation. The subsided amount for diesel can be deducted at the time of collecting Sales Tax from the industries.” he added.

“This will be a great help from the Government. If the Government considers our demand, it will allow us to thrive even during acute power shortage. The Association expects the Government to consider our demands and ease the problems that the industries are facing.” Mr. Gnanasekaran said.

Mr. Koteeswaran, vice-president of Krishnagiri Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association, told The Hindu , “the industries under Krishnagiri Small-Scale Tiny Industries Association are finding it very difficult to chalk out shifts for the workers. The load shedding timings could be staggered to 7a.m. to 9a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and in the evening between 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. instead of the present timings, which will allow the industries to function during both day and night shifts."

“Moreover, the peak hour load shedding for industries in the evening can be done at the sub-station feeder itself. This will spare the residents from power cuts. Also, midnight load shedding should be avoided, ” he added.

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