Question : CLOSURE OF UNITS

(a): whether a number of Small Scale manufacturing units in the rural areas in Punjab based on timber have been closed down due to cheaper imports of raw materials as well as finished goods resulting in slump in consumption levels of farm forestry products;

(b): if so, the details thereof;

(c): whether the Union Government has received any request from the Government of Punjab to help establishment of wood based paper mills/pulp/board industries in Punjab and North-Western region of the country to boost farm forestry and help the poverty stricken families of the State; and

(d): if so, the action taken by the Union Government in the matter? ANSWER

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

(a): According to information furnished by the Government of Punjab, no small scale timber-based manufacturing unit in the rural areas of Punjab is reported to have closed down, due to cheaper imports of raw material or finished goods.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d): The Government of India has forwarded the request of the State Government to Paper Industry Associations and Trade Bodies to consider it while deciding the location of their new plants.