(a) whether the Government has recently taken steps to boost the Small Scale Industries in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the amount earmarked for the year 2004-05 in this regard;
(d) whether any meeting with the representatives of SSI was held recently; and
(e) if so, the problems/demands made by the representatives; and
(f) the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES & AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES ( SHRI MAHABIR PRASAD )
(a) & (b) : It has been the conscious approach of the Government
to promote and develop the small scale industries (SSI) sector.
Accordingly, Government continues to lay emphasis on meeting the
concerns of the SSI, as is evident by various measures announced
from time to time.The Govt. announced a Comprehensive Policy
Package in August, 2000 to strengthen the small scale industries
sector and enhance its domestic and global competitiveness, which
inter alia provides easier access to credit, availability of
collateral free composite loan up to Rs. 25 lakhs, marketing
support, capital subsidy for technological up-gradation and
improved infrastructure. In addition, overnment and the Reserve
Bank of India have also announced various other
measures/incentives including instructions to Banks to provide
credit to SSI at interest within a band of 2% plus minus their
Prime Lending Rate (PLR), introduction of Laghu Udyami Card
Scheme, selective enhancement of investment limits in respect of
high-tech and export oriented items to enable SSIs to compete
successfully.
(c) An amount of Rs. 428.00 crores has been earmarked for the year
2004-05 in this regard.
(d) to (f): Yes, Sir. The meeting of the 48th SSI Board which is
comprised representatives of Central Government, Financial
Institutions, State/UT Ministers of SSI, Central/State level
industrial associations, etc. was held on 17th January, 2004. The
problems raised in it relate to credit, simplification of rules
and regulations, marketing, modernisation and infrastructure.
Concerns expressed by the stakeholders are taken into
consideration while designing support measures for promotion and
development of SSI Sector.