By IANS,
Hyderabad : Worried over the impact of ongoing Telangana agitation on Brand Hyderabad, the Andhra Pradesh government Tuesday announced a dedicated task force to protect the industries and workers here.
A day ahead of yet another shutdown over the demand for statehood to Telangana, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah assured the industry, especially the information technology and pharma sectors that the government would take all steps to protect them.
He told a news conference that a dedicated task force would be formed and a helpline number would also be given to the companies to seek police help in case of emergencies.
Rosaiah made the announcement hours after representatives of various industry bodies called on him and voiced their concern over the impact the agitation was having on industry and business in the state, especially in Hyderabad.
The chief minister said that due to the month-long agitation, pharma and bulk drug companies had suffered a loss of Rs.500 crore. He said several companies including those from IT sector were looking for alternate sites in neighbouring states.
“Several companies who were planning to invest in the state are now looking at other states,” he said.
The industry leaders voiced their concern that frequent shutdowns and disturbances were damaging Brand Hyderabad and its image as an investment destination.
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) plans to shift the partnership summit scheduled to be held here next month to Chennai. Rosaiah has sought the central government’s help to convince the organisers not to move the prestigious event.
The chief minister said additional forces were deployed to protect industries and workers during the shutdown Wednesday called by the all-party Joint Action Committee. He appealed to all political parties to ensure that the state’s image as an industrial hub and investment destination was not damaged.