Sivakasi's association takes initiatives for print industry

Only micro industries all over the state and located in government sponsored industrial estate and industries that comes under Thrust Sector are eligible for subsidy. Also, Sivakasi is not identified as backward area and printing units are mostly in the small scale sector and hence not eligible for any subsidy.

According to A Balasubramanian, president, SMPA, “Since, most of the printing units in Sivakasi are small scale industries and located outside industrial estate, the print industry is denied an opportunity to avail the subsidies. Printing industry is an indispensable industry and is predominant in social, economic, literacy among others. Still the industry has been sidelined and not included in Thrust Sector. ”

Printing technology is constantly getting upgraded and there is a need to purchase new as well as second-hand machineries to be abreast with new and international technologies. This exercise of importing machines runs into crores of rupees.  Balasubramanian added, "The printing industry is ready for expansion and diversification with its technology up-gradation and printing industry is in dire need of direct subsidy from government.”

Highlighting further issues faced by printers, R N Sutharsan, editor of Print Focus said, “The fluctuation in paper prices further adds to the dilemma of printers. During January and February of 2013, the ex-mill price increase of paper was Rs. 2500 per tonne every month. The price is expected to soar further and adding to the suffering of print industry.”

SMPA has successfully launched MSE Cluster Development Programme and a Common Facility Center for printing industry. The project has been approved by Government of India and Government of Tamilnadu to create the Common Facility Center wherein print fraternity will be provided with governmental financial support.