New Delhi, Jan 28 (KNN) The new government of Uttar Pradesh must remove the barriers impeding the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which includes simplifying complex policies and setting up clusters, boost technology upgradation to push One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, said Lucknow based Ashok Kumar Agarwal, President, Indian Industries Association (IIA) expressing disappointment from the current government. 

According to him in order to help MSMEs better in Uttar Pradesh, ground realities must be mapped and a separate body must be established for solely looking after the challenges faced by small businesses wherein communicating and listening to the sector always remains on the agenda.

The MSME sector in Uttar Pradesh is largest employment and revenue generator, hence ahead of the state elections the MSMEs are highlighting their issues and expectations.

Pointing out the neglect MSMEs face by the current government, Agarwal said the intention of the government was good but they couldn’t help the existing MSMEs. 

In a span of five years seven meetings chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were to be scheduled but he didn’t chair a single meeting which indicates the priority towards the sector, he added. 

In agreement with Agarwal, IIA Past President Manish Goel said, the current government hasn’t particularly bought a drastic change for MSMEs as the realities differ from what is publicised. 

“An independent grievance redressal body for MSMEs must be set up,” suggested Goel. 

Both the industrialist agreed that the ODOP  is a visionary initiative but that’s not enough. Cluster development, technology upgradation, ease of doing business must be looked into, they suggested. 

Maintenance of law and order and curb on corruption were the effective changes they appreciated about the current administration. 

Regardless of which political party comes to power, we want the government to pay attention to MSMEs not only on papers but in practice for the overall development of the state, Agarwal and Goel stated.