Visakhapatnam, Apr 28 (KNN) Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in Visakhapatnam have demanded for extension of benefits under the package promised for Seemandhra after a separate Telangana state is created.  

The units in the region feel that have been left neglected, a media report quoting some of the MSMEs state. 

Calling for support, MSME units are making a strong pitch not to restrict tax incentives envisaged under the package to new units in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram districts of the rest of Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

There are around 1,500 to 1,800 MSME units in Visakhapatnam alone. These industries employ around 25,000 at Autonagar, Kancharapalem, Parawada, Gajuwaka, Gurrampalem (Pendurthy), Madhavadhara, and Anakapalle. They are engaged  in fabrication, welding, casting, paints, machining, ice plants, cold storage, and spare parts.

They depend on major units like Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, HPCL, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, and Heavy Plate and Vessels Plant (HPVP) for their survival. (KNN/ST)