Question : MATCH INDUSTRY

(a): whether the Government proposes to remove the Match Industry from the list of Small Scale Industry;

(b): if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore;

(c): whether the Government proposes to change the present excise duty structure levied on Match Industry;

(d): if so, the details thereof;

(e): whether the Government proposes to permit the multinational Indian Tobacco Company to market their products in India vying with matches produced in Small Scale Sector;

(f): if so, the details thereof;

(g): whether the Government proposes to increase export subsidy for matches produced under Small Scale Sector; and

(h): if so, the details thereof?

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

(a)&(b): Review of the products in the list of items reserved for exclusive manufacture in SSI (manufacturing micro and small enterprises) is a continuous process. As on date, there is no proposal to de-reserve the match industry.

(c)&(d): At present there is no proposal under consideration of the Government to make any change in excise duty structure on matches.

(e)&(f): The policy of reservation for exclusive manufacture in SSI sector does not stipulate any prohibition on trading/marketing of the products included in the list of items reserved for exclusive manufacture in SSI sector.

(g)&(h): There is no such proposal.