Will take steps if Tamil Nadu submits status of closed units: Nirmala Sitharaman

Chennai: Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government is keen on providing the required impetus for industrial development in Tamil Nadu and also revive the sick units, commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Centre is willing to take appropriate steps if the state government submitted a detailed report on the status of closed units. “The Centre will provide the necessary assistance if the state government furnishes a detailed report on the number of units wound up, the reason for closure and also the number of employees affected as a result,” the minister said without naming any particular industrial unit.

In an informal chat with reporters here on Tuesday upon her arrival Ms Nirmala who attended a college function assured Tamil Nadu of all cooperation if the State submitted the report as well as proposals to open new units. The minister who has been going around the country meeting industry representatives averred that Centre-state co-operation was vital for revival of closed industries and for establishing new ones also.

She is scheduled to meet the representatives from industry bodies including CII and FICCI on July 10 to discuss the pros and cons of opening up the sector to foreign players and the safeguards that might be required if foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed. Both Indian and foreign e-commerce companies such as Flipkart, eBay, Snapdeal and Amazon are likely to attend the meeting. Organisations representing traders and retailers have also been asked to attend, said sources.