SIMA delegation meets Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay, urges him to resolve electricity-related issues

Coimbatore: A delegation of the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) met Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday and sought his immediate intervention to resolve electricity-related issues affecting the textile sector.The delegation briefed the chief minister on the overall condition of the textile industry, with particular reference to Tamil Nadu, and stressed the need for proactive policy support to sustain competitiveness and unlock growth potential. It said such measures were essential for the state to retain its position as the country's leading textile manufacturing state.The association highlighted the sharp rise in power costs and raised concerns over certain decisions related to non-conventional energy. It appealed to the chief minister to address the issues without delay.Among its key demands, the delegation sought withdrawal of network charges being collected for rooftop solar power generation, citing a high court order. It also sought the collection of arrears towards deemed demand charges be kept in abeyance until the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity issues its final order.The delegation urged the govt to freeze demand charges at the existing rate of Rs 608 per kVA per month for three years.It appealed for adequate funding and faster implementation of the PM Mitra Park Scheme, the Tamil Nadu Integrated Textile Policy and other sector-related schemes.The association said timely govt action on these issues would help ease cost pressures on mills and support the long-term growth of the textile industry in the state.EOM