KANNUR: Industries Minister Elamaram Karim has said that the Government will lay special emphasis on strengthening small-scale industries in the private sector.

Speaking at a Meet-the-Press organised by the Press Club here on Saturday, Mr. Karim said the Government plan to set up a company on the model of Cochin International Airport Ltd. to develop big industrial parks and industrial infrastructure was part of its plan to help the small-scale industries. Nearly half of the small-scale units in the State were defunct, he said, adding that the Government would offer maximum assistance for their revival.

He said the Left Democratic Front Government was reversing the previous United Democratic Front Government's policy of restructuring the State-owned public sector undertakings (PSUs). The budgetary allocation of Rs.40 crores in addition to Rs.10 crores to revive Keltron exemplified the Government's commitment to protection of the PSUs. He said a board would be constituted in two weeks to select chief executives of the PSUs. Professionals and representatives of trade unions would be considered while reconstituting the director boards of the PSUs, he added.

The Minister said products of PSUs would be given preference in purchase by various Government agencies. The Health Department had agreed to purchase drugs produced by the Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, he said. The Kerala State Electricity Board will purchase meters and cables from the State-owned United Electricals and Traco Cables respectively, he added.

Mr. Karim said the PSUs would be equipped to perform in accordance with the rules of the market and survive in the competitive environment. The Government could not be expected to pump in money to ensure their survival, he added.

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