Industrialists in Madurai district are calling for changes in norms to encourage new entrepreneurs and boost the development of the area. Madurai is known as a business hub but is not widely recognized for its industries and factories. However, with the establishment of government and private industrial estates, there is an opportunity to transform the district into an industrial powerhouse.
The existing industrial estates in Madurai, including SIDCO industrial estates in K. Pudur and Kappalur, as well as the Madurai Hosiery Industries Association (MHIA) at Uranganpatti, have contributed significantly to the local economy. However, these estates require updates to meet the demands of the current business landscape.
M.S. Sampath, former president of the K. Pudur SIDCO Industrial Estate Association, stressed the need for new industrial estates in the district as the existing estates have reached maximum capacity. He also highlighted the need for changes in the norms of the Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO) to encourage new business establishments. Currently, companies are given land on lease, making it difficult for them to avail loans from banks. Mr. Sampath suggested that the land should be sold to the companies, enabling them to use it as collateral for loans.
To attract more businesses to the district, Mr. Sampath proposed increasing the industrial land area from 3% to 15%. This expansion would facilitate easier access to industrial land and eliminate classification complications. He also recommended that the state government lend land and buildings in the industrial estates at a low cost, reducing investment and production costs for companies.
The MHIA at Uranganpatti, a private industrial estate, faces challenges related to transport and skilled labor. P. Surendran, Secretary of MHIA, expressed concern about the shortage of labor skilled enough to handle the latest equipment. To address this, Mr. Surendran suggested the establishment of training centers under the state government to upskill workers in important districts. He also emphasized the need for transportation facilities to connect the estate with Madurai city, where many laborers reside.
Another major industrial estate in the district, SIDCO at Kappalur, lacks basic facilities such as water supply, well-maintained roads, streetlights, drainage systems, and waste disposal. P.N. Ragunatha Raja, President of the Kappalur Industrial Association, pointed out the damage caused to products during transportation due to poor road conditions. He also highlighted the need for an increase in skilled labor and the negative impact of rising electricity charges on businesses in the area.
In conclusion, industrialists in Madurai district are advocating for changes in norms and infrastructure upgrades to foster the growth of new entrepreneurs. By opening new industrial estates, revising norms for land allocation, providing training centers, and improving basic facilities, the district can attract more businesses, generate greater employment opportunities, and spur overall development. These measures will contribute to the transformation of Madurai into a thriving industrial district.
