Jayalalithaa’s reforms pulled industries out of peril

Speaking about Jayalalithaa’s contributions to this region and the expectations of the community, going forward, Vanitha Mohan, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, (ICCIC) says, “During her tenure, the Chief Minister attempted to put Tamil Nadu back on the top of the industrial map of India. Living up to her expectations and making her vision Tamil Nadu 2023 come true would be a fitting tribute to the charismatic leader who stood up to her ideologies and beliefs with courage.” 

She adds that Jayalalithaa’s demise has left behind a big vacuum for Tamil Nadu and that “it is going to be tough to fill the void.” Parts of western Tamil Nadu, which were known to be a stronghold of the AIADMK were also home to several industries. The owners of many such setups here have been vocal about Jayalalithaa’s role in turning the destinies of such businesses here, over the years. They are however tight-lipped on their expectations from the government without her. 

“We have to wait and watch,” says Tirupur Exporters and Manufacturers Association (TEMA) President MP Muthurathinam. He recalled that Jayalalithaa gave a new lease of life to the textile industry when it was on the verge of extinction in 2012. “On the direction of the court all the dying units were closed. The functioning of Tirupur stopped. It was then she called us for a meeting to discuss the issue,” he said. Muthurathinam said the Chief Minister gave an interest free loan of Rs 200 cr for the Tirupur industry to implement zero discharge (of effluents). “This helped us get back to the fore in production. Jayalalithaa also intervened and made a representation to the Centre when we were hit by price hike of yarn due to export, like she did on other occasions,” he added. “Jayalalithaa was the lone decision maker. It is going to be a tough time for the industry, but we have a lot of expectations from the government,” the TEMA president said. 

Jayalalithaa’s contribution to the poultry industry is worth a mention. Five years ago she increased the supply of eggs for children under the nutritious noon meal scheme from one day a week to five days a week. This increased the quantum of eggs supplied from Namakkal to around 45 lakh eggs a day and the production and price of eggs also went up with the increasing demand. Tamil Nadu Poultry Farmers Association President R. Nallathambi said that waiver of the four per cent tax on poultry feed during Jayalalithaa’s second term as Chief Minister from 2001-06 was another big boost for the egg industry that requires about 5,000 tonnes feed every day. “Helping us avail of free electricity for water at par with agriculture was also done by her,” he added. 

The lorry and goods carrier industry, however is a tad disappointed as their long pending demands have not been fulfilled yet. During her election campaign in 2011, Jayalalithaa had made many assurances concerning the industry, including relaxation of the qualification of drivers. But they were yet to be implemented. “We hope the government formed by her will fulfil those expectations,” said MR Kumarasamy, Tamil Nadu President, State Lorry Owners Federation.