KASSIA takes up issues concerning MSMEs with K’taka CM

Bengaluru, Aug 23 (KNN) At the meeting of the 1st Vision Group held recently here under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, industry body KASSIA submitted a number of issues  concerning the Micro and Small Industries as well as general investment climate in the State.

Kassia President and Member of the Vision Group, A Padmanabha, highlighted the need to improve the functioning of the Single Window Agency as foreseen in the Industry Facilitation Act 2002, stressing that the Single Window must truly to be one stop clearance mechanism.

There was need for simplifying the combined application form as well as improving efficiency and monitoring mechanisms including online monitoring and response.

He also emphasized the need to improve infrastructure such as roads, rail, power supply, ports and related services to give fillip to industrial growth and the growth of Micro and small industries throughout the State, not having to be confined to Bangalore alone. He urged the government to set up a separate commissioner for micro and small industries

There was great need for employing IT services to improve delivery and governance services for achieving meaningful results, KASSIA said.

The points that were well received by the Vision Group with an assurance that the issues would be further discussed in the sub groups and solutions would be found for them include - Effective use of IT; Easy acquisition of land and building construction permits; Single Window Agencies must be made truly functional; Approvals must be given in a time bound manner etc.

Further, it said Support framework should be developed by encouraging MSMEs for finance, easy approval processes and online filing of returns, restriction on random inspection and assistance for technology upgradation.

Kassia batted for improvement in infrastructure like roads, rail, port, etc. and flexibility in fixing minimum wages for SMEs.

It said policy of 99 years lease must be reconsidered for SMEs. (KNN Bureau)