Coimbatore: The state budget evoked mixed reactions from industrialists in the district. While a few micro industries felt the budget did not hold anything for them, some industrial associations opined that it encouraged entrepreneurship, skill development and growth of new industries.Hours after finance minister O Panneerselvam tabled the budget, industrial associations were disappointed to find that there wasn’t even a single significant allotment for the district or industries. “Even the announcement that subsidy would be announced for 2,000 solar powered pump sets will not benefit micro industries, because we can’t manufacture solar powered sets. It requires a much higher investment,” said K Maniraj, of Kovai Power Driven Pumps and Spares Manufacturers Association (KOPMA). “They’ve announced two new industrial parks in Chennai, but none in Coimbatore.”Coimbatore Tirupur District Micro and Cottage Entrepreneurs (COTMA) president Ravikumar said the budget had nothing that the industries expected. “We welcome the allotment for education, crop insurance payouts and farm loan waivers. The decision to set up a college and name it after APJ Abdul Kalam is also laudable, but there is nothing for the cottage and micro industries. The only thing to be praised is an international platform or road show for small industries to market their products abroad. We have only two industrial parks in the district and need at least eight more,” he said.While welcoming fund allotment of Rs 2,500 crore to pay off industrial equipment subsidies for generations, CNC machines and other equipment, industrialists said this had to be done fast and without officials holding back 10% as bribe.Coimbatore District Small Industries Association president R Ramamurthy, meanwhile, welcomed many of the budget announcements, including allocation of Rs 200 crore for skill development, Rs 87.92 crore for the new entrepreneur cum enterprise development scheme and Rs 100 crore for the new and innovative development projects.Ramesh Muthuramalingam, president of the city chapter of Confederation of Indian Industries, said the budget seemed to have only “farming” and “Chennai” in it. “There was not a single allotment for the city’s infrastructure like a bypass, elevated corridor, flyover or even acquisition of land for the airport expansion. There is also no increase in revenue or income, allowing the government to afford new infrastructure project.”V Lakshminarayanasamy, president, city chapter of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hoped at least next year would see an allotment for the metrorail project and a ring road connecting Palghat Road, Thadagam Road, Mettupalayam Road and Sathy Road.Farmers also welcomed the budget, especially extension of interest-free crop insurance, but they said funds should have been allotted to disburse compensation for damage caused to crops during wildlife raid.

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