Date:23/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/23/stories/2008102354470500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Industrialists observe fast

MADURAI: Hundreds of small-scale entrepreneurs put up the shutters and observed a fast here on Wednesday, protesting frequent load shedding.

They were demanding 50 per cent subsidy for buying generators, diesel supply at concessional rates and rescheduling of bank loans. They also opposed the new regulations proposed to be implemented from November 1.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA N. Nanmaran, who addressed the industrialists wanted the government to extend the power tariff concessions enjoyed by multinational companies to small-scale units too. He said the party would raise the issue in the Assembly.

Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry senior president S. Rethinavelu said the 40 per cent reduction in power supply for high-tension consumers must include peak-hour restrictions between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Furthermore, there should be no load shedding from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. for domestic consumers.

KR. Gnanasambandan, vice-president, Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association, demanded that the base value for the new tariff regulation be revised and the grid system be strengthened to transmit power from windmills.