Nagpur: Coming out of the Covid-induced lockdown, industries in Vidarbha are showing signs of revival with some functioning at full capacity, but many are still yet to start operations due to lack of payments from their industrial consumers.
Madhusudan Rungta, president of MIDC Industries Association, Chandrapur, said only 50% industries in the district are functioning. “Recently, sponge iron units have started, which is a good sign. But most cement plants are still under maintenance. The main problem is that large number of industries are yet to receive payment from their clients. Therefore, in spite of demand these are unable to start operations. Public sector undertakings (PSUs) have cleared the dues, but private ones haven’t,” he added.
Rungta further said explosives manufacturers are in trouble because of non-payment by Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). “We are also not getting required support from banks. In Chandrapur district alone, about 1,500 labourers are jobless due to lack of full revival of industries,” he said.
Chandrashekhar Shegaonkar, president of MIDC Industries Association, Hingna, said about 80% units are functioning, but at around 70% capacity. “Those catering to defence, tractors, health and chemical units are having a good time. They are working round the clock or in extended single shifts. Mahindra & Mahindra suppliers are having a great time. However, the ones supplying power stations, cement, steel and general fabrication units are still in trouble,” he added.
According to Shegaonkar, these units are facing three problems. “The first is consumers, including government, are yet to clear dues. Secondly, the demand is poor. Labour shortage is also a problem. Some 10% industries have closed down due to these problems,” he said.
Pradeep Khandelwal, chief of Butibori Manufacturers Association (BMA), however, said scenario is satisfying with most industries functioning at 70% to 80% capacity and some even at 100%. He urged Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to ply more city buses on Butibori route.
Suresh Rathi, president of Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA), painted a mixed picture. “Money is available from banks, but government is yet to pay subsidy to small industries. The demand is very low. Containers of importers and exporters are stuck at ports and so they are facing problems. However, things are improving gradually and I expect it to change significantly by the year end,” he said.
Rathi further said the government is solving problems of industrialists on priority basis and VIA is also extending full help to those in trouble.