BIRATNAGAR: One hundred and forty-three new industries have been registered in Morang district at a time when industries are closing down one after the other in the country for various reasons.

The Cottage and Small Industries Office, Morang, said the process has been moved forward another four months of the current fiscal years for the operation of these industries.

The office said that on the other hand, 720 different cottage and small scale industries closed down in Morang district last year. Most of the closures happened due to lack of raw materials, frequent strikes, power shortage and stiff competition.

Of the 720 industries that closed down last year, 15 industries closed as the their managements did not come up to the task of running them demand of the industrialists. Another 705 closed down due to non-operation while some other s for non-payment of renewal fees.

According to the Morang District Cottage and Small Industries Office, there was a total of 3,003 cottage and small industries in operation in the district until April of the fiscal year 2008-2009. Of these industries, 2,433 are operated by the private sector, 259 through partnership and 311 are private limited companies.

Meanwhile, the office said it collected revenue

Rs 1,902,071 until July 15 under different heads including industries’ registration, renewal fees, additional renewal fees and sale of training kits.