Hyderabad, December 30: Chief Minister K Rosaiah today voiced concern over the industries in AP being shifted to other states in the wake of unrest prevailing in the State.
He stated that disturbances in the State are forcing several major industrialists to look for alternative options and shift their operations to neighbouring states.
In a meeting with Chief Minister K Rosaiah and the officials concerned, the representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) said that several companies are either dropping or deferring their plans to establish their industries in the State. They said that the unrest prevailing in the State and continued agitations over Telangana State has become a matter of concern for all industries operating across the State. They informed the Chief Minister that several multi-national companies are backing off from investing in the State and looking at other States.
Soon after the meeting with the industry representatives, the Chief Minister appealed to the agitatiors at a media conference to cooperate with the State Government in maintaining peace and order. “The issue of separate Telangana is under consideration of the Central Government. I request all political parties, organisations and students to cooperate with the Government and not to discourage investments through their agitations,” he said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that lack of investments in industries will lead to increase in unemployment and affect development of the State. Among the companies which have postponed their plans to operate in the State were, a Francebased car manufacturer, steel manufacturing company of Lakshmi Mittal Group, Brandix Textiles and many other multinational companies.
To restore confidence among investors, the Chief Minister directed the officials to create a special dedicated task force to protect industries and their staff. A dedicated emergency number also will be established to assist the industries during emergencies. As an immediate measure till formation of the special task force, additional forces will be deployed at all police stations in the vicinity of industrial areas.
The Chief Minister also offered to provide complete security for the CII Partnership Summit scheduled to be held at Hitex on January 21 and 22. He prevented the CII to shift its venue to Chennai and assured to provide necessary support.
–Agencies