Brahma Mishra, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Utkal Industry (UCCI), spoke to Hemanta Pradhan about the request made to the Odisha government for the initial allotment of iron ore for the country-based industry, pandemic and more.
What problems are dealt with state-based MSMM in getting iron ore? About 65% of the total iron ore produced in Odisha is supplied to other countries.
The rest cannot meet the industrial demand here.
The state has several independent steel and steel steel plants that do not have their own mine.
Plants are established in Odisha Maintain the availability of iron ore in mind.
If the industry does not get raw materials on time, it will face a problem.
We have asked the Head of Minister of Naveen Patnaik to the initial allotment of iron ore for the country-based industry under the pre-emption scheme.
According to this scheme, at least 50% of iron ore produced in Odisha must be provided for allocations to the country-based industry.
After this, we held a meeting with government officials a few days ago.
The state government has convinced us from all possible assistance to maintain the interests of the Odisha-based industry.
Le’ts see what happens next.
You have also highlighted the problem of coal shortages for the Odisha-based industry …
such as iron ore, we face difficulties in getting coal too.
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) produces around 150 million tons (MT).
We need around 95 MT coal per year for the country-based industry.
But we don’t get enough coal because 65% of coal produced here is sent outside.
This affects production.
It’s not worthy of us to import coal from outside.
We have asked the state government to discuss this issue with the Union Minister of Coal to increase coal supply to the local industry.
If Odisha has a 25% country coal deposit, why do we have to deal with such a problem? The state government must apply a pre-empty scheme to protect the interests of the country’s UMM.
How did the pandemic impact on the MSME sector? Covid-19 greatly affected the MSME sector.
Bank account is around 9% industrial empty.
Nearly 70% of MSMEs are very affected by pandemic.
Even though the center has announced relieved, it is not enough.
Your suggestion about reviving this sector …
take electricity costs based on actual use.
If the bank does not collect loan interest for several months, it will also help the industry.
Relax the norms to release loans to the industry.
Because this sector is through a very difficult phase, the government must help us grow and produce more work.