VAIBHAV PARWAT
Aurangabad, July 23:
There are no plots left in the Waluj industrial area for setting up new companies. As a result, more than 1,300-1,400 entrepreneurs have started companies in nearby villages outside the jurisdiction of the MIDC. The annual turnover of these companies in the Gram Panchayat limits has now reached Rs 450-500 crore. Moreover, the small scale industries are paying more than Rs 30 crore annual tax to the government for several years. However, these companies are denied basic facilities.
For the last two decades, the proposal for the expansion of Waluj MIDC has been pending with the government. The strict rules and regulations of the pollution control board are hampering the expansion process. Hence entrepreneurs started setting up units in nearby villages, creating a mini MIDC. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) denies industrial power connections to companies outside the industrial area. For the last 15 years, these companies face regular power outages that hamper production. At present, thousands of SMEs are waiting for regular power supply, roads and water connections by the MIDC. Most of these SMEs are vendors to Bajaj and other big companies. In past decades, several industry associations, including the Marathwada Association of Small Scale Industries and Agriculture (MASSIA) and Waluj Industries Association have raised the issues with the state government, but to no avail.
No benefit of government schemes
The industries outside the jurisdiction of the MIDC do not get any benefit of the government schemes. Despite facing losses, these companies pay electricity bills of around Rs 5-6 crore to the MSEDCL per month. However, regular power supply to these companies is not available. Similarly, the entrepreneurs have to spend lakhs of rupees on purchasing water from private tankers and maintenance of the roads. Government banks also deny giving loans to these companies. Hence industrialists have to approach private banks and finance companies who charge exorbitant interest rates.
Turnover of crores, but no facility
Massia president Narayan Pawar said, more than 1,300 companies have started in Ranjangaon Shenpunji, Karodi, Shajapur, Ghanegaon and Waladgaon. The MIDC supplies water to all these Gram Panchayats. However, deny giving water to the companies. The administration also denies providing any basic facilities, further increasing their crisis. Despite a turnover of Rs 450 to Rs 500 crore and paying tax worth Rs 30 crore, companies get no constant power supply, roads and water. The government must speed up the expansion of Waluj MIDC, or else these companies might move out of the city and state.