New Delhi, Dec 9, (KNN) The devastating floods in Chennai has not only claimed more than 300 hundred lives across the state, but has also hit the industry sector massively. The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Chennai, who have incurred massive loss due to the heavy rains, have urged the government to waive off some tax and give them a tax holiday for at least six months from now.

Speaking to KNN, Muthusami C., President of Tamilnadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA) told that they have assessed the primary loss of more than  Rs 1000 crores in Chennai.

The other associations too have estimated losses of Rs. 18000 crores to the MSME sector.

TANSTIA President said that six districts of the state - Chennai, Thiruvalluvar, Kanchipuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Tuticorin have also suffered the losses.

“The industries incurred a loss of Rs 5000 crore per month since Diwali, that was when therais started,” added the President.

C. Babu, an MSME entrepreneur from Chennai, also spoke to KNN and has urged the government to waive off the loan up to Rs 10 lakh of the flood hit micro units.

“The Government should also declare the Holiday period of six months and repayment of loans should be postponed for coming months, in this no charges of interests and penalties should be put on the industries,” C Babu from Sai Baba Engineering Works Ltd opined.

The industry body, TANSTIA, is also scheduled to meet the MSME Secretary of Tamil Nadu tomorrow at 3 pm to discuss the plan of action to restart industrial activities in order to avoid the future losses.

The final assessment of the losses to the small sector would come out after tomorrow’s meeting.

Many of the factories have shut units for nearly five days and partially started the factory yesterday. (KNN Bureau)