Mysuru:  A day-long interactive session on “Promotion of industries and subsidy policy” in connection with the drafting of New Industrial Policy and Ease of Doing Business: 2019-2024, was held at the ZP Hall here yesterday.

The session organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce (DIC), was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G. Sankar.

About 100 industrialists and entrepreneurs from eight districts of Mysuru Revenue Division — Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Kodagu, Chikkamagalur, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts — attended the event and gave their suggestions on drafting the State’s Industrial Policy for the next five years.

Coming up with their suggestions, most of the industrialists wanted an exclusive industrial policy for promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), as the sector is capable of creating more jobs.

Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President  A.S. Satish wanted the State Government to expedite its announced plan of creating an electronic and PCB hub in Mysuru.

Expressing concern over the delay in the execution of the project, Satish opined that the hub, apart from creating jobs and enhancing skills, will give a push to other industries as well.

Several industrialists from Kodagu complained of lack of dumping yards for industrial wastes.

Some industrialists from Chamarajanagar observed that taking up Chamarajanagar – Mettupalyam Railway link will largely help in promoting industries in the district as Mettupalyam is closer to Coimbatore, which is a big industrial centre in TN.

Outlining the necessities for promotion of industries in Chamarajanagar, they said that the Government must focus on improving infrastructure in Chamarajanagar Industrial hub, exemption of property tax for MSMEs, 50 percent subsidy in power bills, GST exemption for five years and a special package for Chamarajanagar district, which is considered as a backward district by Nanjundappa Committee.

Chamarajanagar Blackstone Quarry Owners Association President G.M. Hegde said that more than 5,000 workers are employed in quarry units. He stressed on the need for considering quarrying as a separate industry and announcement of facilities in accordance with the industry needs.

S.H. Veeranna, Additional Director, Industrial Policy and Promotion, Bengaluru; S.R. Satish, MD, Vishweswaraiah Trade and Technology Centre (VTTC), Bengaluru; B.K. Shivakumar, Joint Director, Planning and Projects, Department of Industries and Commerce; D.K. Lingaraju, Joint Director, DIC, Mysuru; M.N. Marulesh, Joint Director, DIC, Chamarajanagar; Suresh Kumar Jain, Secretary, Mysuru Industries Association (MIA); Industrialist Sreeshaila Ramannavar and others were present.