New Delhi, Sept 22 (KNN) Since the implementation of high power tariff rates, Pimpri-Chinchwad's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been facing tough time, President of Pimpri Chinchwad Small Industries Association, Sandip Belsare, told KNN India.

He said that there has been a hike of 15% to 18% due to which their production cost has increased.

This hike is not justified for Low tension (LT) consumers of small scale, he added.

He said, “We are getting out of business as many big companies like Tata Motors are shifting out of the Maharashtra because of this.”

The power tariff rate is highest in Maharashtra compared to all over India, he added.

The Pimpri Chinchwad Small and Medium Scale Industries Association claimed that the increase in power tariff will hit the members and the agriculture sector the most.

Sandeep Belsare, president of the association, said the new tariff has been effected from September 1, 2018 without taking the ground reality in consideration.

The decision is against the principles of fair and the welfare of the industrial consumers, he added.

He further added, “We have written letter to Industries Minister, Energy Minister with regard to this specific issue but no positive signs of response have come from their side.”