With the aim of solving the diverse problems that have long plagued Rajasthan‘s industrial sector, state industrialists led by Kamal Kandoi, advisor to Akhil Rajya Trade & Industry Association (ARTIA), are seeking from Chief Minister Vasundara Raje and her team a well-worked out business policy applying over a longer term. Industrialists insist that policies should be stable and consistent because the sector has faced pressing problems which call for long-term solutions.
Kandoi emphasized the continuing problems of industrial sector, pointing out that these problems have plagued industry over years and received inadequate attention from successive governments until now. Lacking a concerted effort to resolve these problems, the growth and competitiveness of industries in the state including micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have suffered.
The first and foremost demand put forward by the industrialists is to formulate a long-term policy for industries. They say this policy should be beyond the rise and fall of changes in government or administrative structure. “When changes take place in the government, they have a very damaging effect on industrial life. When our delegation goes out and meets officials or ministers, work begins; but when officers change at all levels–or even policies are changed–it’s still the same for them (the industrialists); so there needs to be some kind of long term policy-thinking about this,”
This appeal for a stable, consistent policy framework is part of the larger effort to bring stability and predictability into industry. This kind of policy would not only reassure existing businesses, but also attract new investment. It will help to create an atmosphere indicative for growth and creativity.
Furthermore, the industrialists noted high electricity rates as an urgent problem. They stressed the urgent need for government to step up and tackle this issue, pointing out that these rates are much higher than those of neighboring states. This high electricity cost can have a massive impact on the running costs of industries, which makes them less competitive in terms of regions and even nations.
The call for an overall business policy and re-examination of electricity rates is the industry’s wish to create a friendly, constructive atmosphere. The success of the industries, especially MSMEs, is important for overall economic development in the state. A stable policy framework and low operating costs can act as sparks for attracting investment, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities.
Given the arrival of a new government in Rajasthan, it’s up to policy makers and politicians alike to listen carefully as these industrialists call for an environment where industries can thrive. Such measures will convince the industrial sector that the government is serious about making it grow, and we can then build an industrious state with a prosperous economy.
