Mumbai, May 30 (KNN) The SME Chamber of India and Maharashtra Industry Development Association have urged the state government to set up a separate department to address all issues pertaining to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The representation cited harassment and extortion threats that SMEs face from local goons, harassment by Mathadi kamgaars and other unregistered labour unions, transporters etc as the reason for an urgent need to set up a dedicated department.

The recruitment agencies run by politicians, and interference from politicians and party workers, also disturbs the business activities and manufacturing operations of the SMEs, they industrial bodies said.

A separate department could help set up a mechanism to promote exports and revival of sick units, and enable sale of shut units, they added.

The SME Chamber of India, a premier national Chamber, has been working for the development of SMEs from manufacturing, service sectors and allied industrial / business sectors for the last 30 years.

Maharashtra Industry Development Association (MIDA) has been functioning for the last 25 years for industrial and economic growth of the State.  (KNN Bureau)