CII's Expection In Tamilnadu Budjet
The Coimbatore Zone of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has said the Tamil Nadu Budget for 2008-2009 was progressive and growth-oriented.C.N. Ashok, its chairman, said that setting up of new Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in backward districts, development of tier-II towns, increased allocation for agriculture, health, education, transport and power sectors were a move in the right direction. Tamil Nadu Budget for 2008-2009 was progressive and growth-oriented
These measures would enhance the competitiveness and ensure inclusive growth. He welcomed the announcement on setting up of SEZs for transport engineering goods at Gangaikondan, automobile and auto spare parts at Cheyyar, engineering goods at Perunthurai and leather sector at Ranipet. The CII lauded the Government for its plan to set up a new Information Technology park at Vellore by ELCOT in partnership with the private sector. The e-governance initiatives proposed in the budget would ensure transparency and efficiency in Government departments.
The emphasis on the agriculture sector had been reflected in the proposal to disburse new crop loans to a tune of Rs. 1,500 crore next fiscal. New initiatives such as precision farming would benefit farmers in increasing agriculture productivity and turn the sector vibrant. The cold storage facilities proposed for all 22 uzhavar sandhais would benefit farmers. The subsidy of 25 per cent outlined in the budget for farmers in procuring agriculture machinery would encourage the farmers to shift towards modern cultivation practices.
The CII asked the State Government to quickly commission the new power projects as outlined in the budget to manage the power shortage in the State. Mr. Ashok said that they were in line with CII recommendations. He appreciated the Government for having treated school and Higher Education as areas of development. Upgrade of middle and higher secondary schools to the next level of standards and augmentation of the existing and sanctioning of new engineering colleges in tier-III towns is a significant step.
He welcomed the decision to set up two medical colleges in Sivaganga and Perambalur and upgrade of government hospitals as breakthrough initiatives.The CII welcomed the exemption of tax on rubberised textile fabrics, soya oil, turmeric powder, chilly powder and jaggery from Inter-State sale. Mr. Ashok felt that the Government could have considered setting up a State Manufacturing Competitiveness Council, which was one of the key recommendations of the CII. No announcement had been made in the budget on single window for environment clearance for new industries. Mr. Ashok said that the Government had not given any specific focus for Coimbatore and textile sector.
