KATHMANDU: Only 50 per cent of the total two lakh cottage and small scale industries established are operating. Cottage

and small acale industrialists during a programme today complained that compared to large scale industries, the small scale industries are deprived of facilities for their promotion and development.

Department of Cottage and Small Scale Industry acting director Gokul Prasad Dhital said, “Cottage and small scale industries

in the rural areas need to

be developed, and for

this a public-private approach is essential.”

He added that in total 10 per cent industrial GDP, small scale industries contribute 90 per cent to it. There are more than 40,000 lower level small industrialists. According to Federation of Nepalese Cottage and Small Industry (FNCSI) president Lata Pyakurel,

as there is no separate

plan and policy for

small scale industries this sector is always overlooked. Compared to large scale industries, small industries are bound to pay more interest on loans.

“We need a separate ministry and plans for this sector,” said Pyakurel.

Minister of Industries Mahendra Yadav assured of the development of industries through the industrial policy. Minister Yadav said the proposal for Industrial Policy has been passed to the financial committee of the cabinet and the Ministry along with the Home Ministry is working to ensure industrial security.

Speaking on the occasion, Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) president Bikas Ratna Dhakwa focused on the introduction of need-based programme and its exact and effective evaluation. Dhakwa said handicrafts are exported to 42 countries and export increased by 13 per cent over the last fiscal year’s.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry vice-president Pradeep Jung Pandey

said an investment-friendly environment was lacking. State Minister for Industries Dan Bahadur Chaudhary state minister called

for resource mobilisation and utilisation.