TIOL-DDT 119 · Friday, 20 May 2005 · story 4 of 5

UPA Government’s Progress Report – SSI

Several ministries have published their progress reports on their first year in office under the UPA Government. What has the UPA done for SSIs?

What the UPA proclaimed:?

Extract from CMP of UPA released on 27-05-04.

Administrative Reforms: In the past few years, the most employment intensive segments of small-scale industry have suffered extensively. They will be freed from Inspector Raj.

A major promotional package for the SSI sector will be announced soon.

What SSIs expected from the UPA?

• The exemption limit to be increased from Rs.1 Crore to Rs 1.5 Crores, if not Rs 2 Crores to keep pace with escalation of product prices.

• As long as they are within the exemption limit they should be exempt from all Excise laws, Rules and Procedures.

• No litigation should be started against them except in the case of proven fraud resulting in prosecution.

• As a one time amnesty all pending litigations other than for fraud to be withdrawn and closed.( as they are due to procedural lapses & documentary errors due do sheer ignorance)

• To avoid such litigations in future a booklet of Dos & Don'ts to be provided for SSI units and officers.

• Periodic counseling unit wise to be done by lower levels officials to make sure they are on track.