Question : CONCESSIONS TO SSI SECTOR

(a): whether the Union Government is aware that the small scale industries are facing serious crisis consequent to the removal of quantitative restrictions;

(b): if so, the details thereof;

(c): whether the Union Government is intending to give concessions to the border districts of Gujarat for promotion of this industry;

(d): if so, the time by when the concessions are likely to be given; and

(e): the details of other concessions likely to be given to these small scale industries by the Union Government?

MINISTER OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES & AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES ( SHRI MAHABIR PRASAD )

(a)&(b): The Government has been following a continuous policy of removal of restrictions on imports since 1991 and is aware of the implications of the removal/phasing out of quantitative restrictions. In the liberalized regime of international trade, the domestic industry, including the small scale industries, have to face competition from imports, subject to applicable rates of customs duty and all other permissible safeguard measures.

(c)&(d): The development and promotion of small scale industries in the State of Gujarat, including those in the border districts of the State, are primarily the responsibility of the State Government. The Central Government does not treat small scale industries located in border districts differently from those located elsewhere.

(e): The small scale industries located in the border districts, like small scale industries located elsewhere, are encouraged to avail of various schemes and programmes implemented by the Government to assist the small scale industries in respect of availability of credit, infrastructural development, technology upgradation, marketing, etc.