The dispute centers on a rental hike imposed by the Industrial Area Management Limited (IAML). According to the FNCCI, the issue is currently sub-judice, with multiple cases pending before the Supreme Court and High Court. Furthermore, IAML itself has filed for a review of prior decisions regarding the fare adjustments.
Key Grievances Raised by the FNCCI
- Disregard for Due Process: The federation argued that enforcing a strict 7-day payment deadline and threatening utility cuts while the matter is legally active directly undermines the judicial process.
- Economic Fallout: Roughly 700 industries operating across 10 industrial zones are facing power disconnections, jeopardizing billions in investment and threatening thousands of jobs.
- Investor Sentiments: Halting production during an already sluggish economic period will severely damage both domestic and foreign investor confidence.
"Disconnecting power lines and stopping production will not only discourage domestic investment, but will also have long-term negative effects on the overall economy."
— FNCCI Press Statement
Call for Dialogue and Resolution
The FNCCI has urged the government, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, and IAML to immediately halt all punitive actions. The federation maintains that the primary responsibility of the state should be to protect manufacturing industries rather than disrupt them.
Moving forward, the business body is demanding a scientific and practical solution to the land lease issue through consensus, offering to act as a formal facilitator to resolve the deadlock through dialogue.
