Drive to attract more investments must not lose steam: MSMEs
The Election Commission (EC) has reprimanded Shashi Tharoor, the UDF candidate for Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, for violating the model code of conduct by levelling “unsubstantiated” allegations at NDA’s candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The action has been taken in connection with Mr. Tharoor’s reported allegation that he made during an interview with a news channel that the BJP leader had offered money to voters and religious leaders in exchange for vote.
In a statement submitted to the EC, Mr. Tharoor denied having named Mr. Chandrasekhar during the interview and asserted the allegation had been made as a “general observation” as told to him by people.
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have appealed to political parties across the ideological spectrum that the ongoing drive to attract more investments and make Kerala a favoured destination for investors must not lose steam. While manifestos have laid emphasis on increasing fresh investments, the special conditions and requirements of each State must be looked into, said sources in Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA).
A veteran industrialist and member of KSSIA said Kerala had been able to create an atmosphere in which investors were not sceptical about opportunities any more. Along with basic facilities for launching new enterprises, there should also be a change in the attitude of people to investors. “Their attitude should be one of welcoming the investors,” he added.
The KSSIA also said that local body authorities should take the lead in encouraging fresh investments within their jurisdiction. Introduction of new facilities, including the online clearing system KSWIFT, has helped improve the atmosphere. But a special drive to locate potential investors and encourage them will keep the good efforts going.
The 45day payment rule to ensure that MSMEs get payments on time for their supplies has come into effect from April 1, but has vexed those taking delivery of goods from MSMEs, it said.