The Hindu Business Line : FAPCCI against further waiver of power dues

THE Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) has asked the State Government not to go for yet another waiver (of power dues).

"The waiver of outstanding arrears of Rs 1,244.40 crore as promised in the manifesto should be a one-time event," Mr O.P. Goenka, President of FAPCCI, said, commenting on the State's Budget for the year 2004-05.

He wanted the Government to take the industry and industry associations into confidence in the Budget implementation process.

Welcoming the thrust given to the agricultural sector, Mr Goenka said the allocation of Rs 933 crore for agriculture and allied sectors was a positive step. "Plan allocation of Rs 4,245 crore for irrigation with a sharp increase of 95 per cent over the previous year is a good step," he said in a statement here on Thursday.

The decision to set up Agriculture Technology Mission and Rain Shadow Area Development Department would give a boost to rural employment, while tapping the large stretches of cultivable wasteland.

"The Government's decision to promote plantation of energy crops such as jatropha for production of bio-diesel is welcome," Mr Goenka. He felt that the focus on development of infrastructure would trigger industrial activity.

"The decision to set up an Industry Rehabilitation Board to help sick industries is noteworthy. The steps initiated for setting up of industrial parks and cluster development in textiles will encourage growth in the sector," he said.

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