Karuna urges Centre to come up with new MSME policy

Chennai: With the Centre removing all 20 items, including matchboxes and wax candles, from exclusive manufacturing list of MSME, DMK Sunday alleged that the move would allow big corporates to take over small firms and urged the NDA government to come up with a new MSME Policy.

Party chief M Karunanidhi said the Centre on one side had launched the MUDRA Bank scheme to promote the Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, but on the other hand had removed 20 items from the exclusive manufacturing by them.

"The government should withdraw such a contradictory approach, which impacts the small entrepreneurs and benefits only the big corporates. Considering the welfare of the crores of MSME professionals, Centre should come out with a new MSME Policy for their welfare," he said in a statement here.

While there were 800 items under the MSME sector in 1967, it had come down over a period of time, with 20 of them finally remaining under it, he said.

Even those 20, including matchboxes, pickles, locks and wax candles, had been taken off the list by the BJP government and the move could affect the rural economy, he said.

"Due to this (move), big corporates can encroach and take over small businesses," he added.