PMK lauds efforts to diversify the State’s industrial base
Special Correspondent
Party condemns policy’s “bias” towards large industries, MNCs
“Policy does not give priority to small and medium industries”
CHENNAI: While lauding the efforts made to diversify Tamil Nadu’s industrial base and the benefits for agro-based industries announced in the new industrial policy, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has condemned the policy’s “bias” towards large industries and multinational companies.
“Overall, the policy appears to favour MNCs and large industries with a bias towards land-based Industrial Park/SEZ development suited to high skilled workers and not aimed at gainful employment and dignified livelihood for the State’s vast less-skilled workforce,” stated a release issued on Tuesday.
According to the PMK, the Government should have formulated a land use strategy, classifying land into legally mandated areas for conservation, restoration, sustainable agricultural activity, industrial and non-farm use and urban forests before indiscriminately encouraging private industrial parks.
“Such a classification will facilitate promotion of harmonious development of agriculture and industry. Doing otherwise would result in conflicts,” the party warned.
It said the policy’s exemption for holding more than 15 acres and provisions to change land use classification for industrial use violated the Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Reduction of Ceiling on Land) Act, 1970.
The PMK criticised the policy for not giving priority to small and medium industries, the unorganised sector, retraining unskilled workers and coming up with ways to monitor large incentives promised in return for directly generating employment.
On the other hand, the party welcomed the policy’s move to make all incentives for the manufacturing industry applicable to the agro industry and to promote Special Agro Economic Zones. It also lauded the initiatives for life sciences and skill development.
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