Federation of Andhra Pradesh Small Industries Associations (FAPSIA) president APK Reddy said the frequent power cuts in the state and curtailment of power supply to the industrial sector is threatening the closure of 1.6 lakh small industries and more than 2 lakh tiny industries.
“The industries are thinking of lockouts. This may result in 19 lakh workers losing their jobs,” he told media persons in Hyderabad.
The government is unmoved to the demand of the FAPSIA to lift the power cuts. Some of its office bearers are on fast since March 1 demanding the government to lift the power cuts and restore continuous supply of power.
In addition to one full day power cut in a week, daily four hours of power cut is imposed on industries on other days forcing the industries to think of declaring lock-out.
“We are not in a position to repay bank loans, besides failing to meet commitments on supplies,” he said, adding, the industries have to work for 15 days in a month but pay salaries in full to the employees. “We can’t afford to do that,” he said. (J)
