An MSME association has criticised the DMK election manifesto, stating it fails to address key issues like rising costs, credit access and industrial growth, raising concerns over the sector’s future.
Coimbatore:
The Indian Entrepreneurs Association has expressed disappointment over the DMK’s election manifesto, stating that it fails to adequately address the concerns of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the manufacturing sector in Tamil Nadu.
Association National President Raghunathan said MSMEs form the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation and regional development. However, the manifesto released by the DMK does not sufficiently address the sector’s core challenges.
He pointed out that there are no clear measures announced to reduce operational costs for MSMEs, including electricity tariffs, interest burden and tax relief. Key issues such as working capital constraints, difficulty in accessing credit and pending dues have also not been addressed.
The association further highlighted that rising raw material costs, export challenges and logistics issues affecting industries have not been factored into the manifesto.
Concerns were also raised over the lack of focus on emerging sectors such as the gig economy and micro entrepreneurs, with no dedicated support systems or policy direction outlined for them.
Raghunathan noted that the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the State’s Gross Domestic Product has been declining, and stressed the need for a clear target to increase it to at least 30 percent over the next five years.
He suggested several measures, including the introduction of incentive schemes similar to Production Linked Incentives (PLI) for MSMEs, development of manufacturing clusters and common facilities, and easier access to affordable credit.
The association also called for industry-linked skill development programmes, improved export support, better logistics infrastructure, and reforms in key areas such as power supply, land availability and regulatory approvals.
Stating that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without strengthening MSMEs, the association emphasised that any political roadmap for Tamil Nadu must prioritise this sector.
It also urged political parties to clearly outline funding sources for welfare schemes announced in manifestos, noting that clarity on financial planning is essential for long-term stability.
The Indian Entrepreneurs Association has expressed disappointment over the DMK’s election manifesto, stating that it fails to adequately address the concerns of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the manufacturing sector in Tamil Nadu.
Association National President Raghunathan said MSMEs form the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation and regional development. However, the manifesto released by the DMK does not sufficiently address the sector’s core challenges.
He pointed out that there are no clear measures announced to reduce operational costs for MSMEs, including electricity tariffs, interest burden and tax relief. Key issues such as working capital constraints, difficulty in accessing credit and pending dues have also not been addressed.
The association further highlighted that rising raw material costs, export challenges and logistics issues affecting industries have not been factored into the manifesto.
Concerns were also raised over the lack of focus on emerging sectors such as the gig economy and micro entrepreneurs, with no dedicated support systems or policy direction outlined for them.
Raghunathan noted that the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the State’s Gross Domestic Product has been declining, and stressed the need for a clear target to increase it to at least 30 percent over the next five years.
He suggested several measures, including the introduction of incentive schemes similar to Production Linked Incentives (PLI) for MSMEs, development of manufacturing clusters and common facilities, and easier access to affordable credit.
The association also called for industry-linked skill development programmes, improved export support, better logistics infrastructure, and reforms in key areas such as power supply, land availability and regulatory approvals.
Stating that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without strengthening MSMEs, the association emphasised that any political roadmap for Tamil Nadu must prioritise this sector.
It also urged political parties to clearly outline funding sources for welfare schemes announced in manifestos, noting that clarity on financial planning is essential for long-term stability.