The Hindu Business Line : Chemical cos asked to cut pollution

THE domestic chemicals industry should explore those areas that would result in employment opportunities for the masses and at the same time ensure that the competitiveness of the industry is not eroded, the Vice-President, Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, said here today.

He also urged the domestic chemical industry to take effective steps for pollution control, while pointing out that a number of units have already caused damage to the environment.

In his inaugural address at India Chem 2002, Mr Shekhawat highlighted that the processes and systems being adopted by the domestic chemicals industry are "less employment-oriented". He said that the country was facing a serious problem of unemployment and that there was a need for creation of more employment opportunities.

"Almost every part of the chemicals industry is interacting with the Indian farmers, who are sometimes not aware of the adverse effects of overuse of chemicals and pesticides. The chemicals industry has to build the awareness among the farmers and disseminate the best practices to them," Mr Shekhawat said.

The Vice-President urged the domestic pharmaceuticals industry to work towards "total sufficiency" in the production of drugs. "The drugs that you produce should be easily available and be at affordable prices to the common man," Mr Shekhawat said.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section
Crafting a biz out of furniture

`Task force report on chem sector will be implemented'

Chemical cos asked to cut pollution

Let the auditors work more

Joint forum mooted to bridge credit demand-supply gap

RBI bid to limit debt payments of States

IMF sees signs of revival

Villagers end up spending more on urban products

SSP manufacturers seek level field

Pharma sector asked to tap Latam market potential

Lower advance tax hits mop-up