Punjab Govt urged to take steps to help revive Amritsar industries

Amritsar, Mar 6 (KNN) Amritsar Industries associated with the manufacturing of electric fans, nut bolts, carpets and textiles are facing a difficult time due to the rising prices of raw materials and lack of modern technology.

With the Budget session of the Punjab assembly in progress, the Amritsar entrepreneurs associated with these Industries are urging the state government to provide a special package and R&D support for the revival of the Industries in the city.

Satnam Singh, who once used to operate a fan manufacturing unit, said “From over 2,500 units some years ago, the number has come down to a few hundred units,” reported The Tribune.

He pointed out that the government must make a budgetary proposal to help revive these Industries.

“Central government’s decision in the early 1990s to withdraw nationwide uniform prices of raw material came as a major blow. As a result, the cost of raw material like iron, steel, coal and copper shot up in this part of the country, which is entirely dependent for raw material on other parts of the country. Consequently, locally manufactured fans became much costlier and the over a decade-long militancy dealt a final blow,” Singh pointed out.

Another Industry that has been on a downward trajectory in the state is the processing and dyeing industry for textiles. The Industry recorded a fall from over 100 units to the nearly 30 now in the holy city.

Piara Lal Seth, a local business leader, said the industry fell on bad times due to the failure of owners to modernise and lack of technical and monetary support by the government, reported The Tribune.

Deepak Malhotra, a trader, said from employing hundreds of skilled weavers, the industry has now become a cottage industry. Some families have kept the art alive but prefer weaving carpets at their houses itself.

He said hand-made products hold immense export potential, so its revival could bring more employment. The government made a focused approach in the Budget on its revival.  (KNN Bureau)