HYDERABAD: In the wake of frequent bandhs and agitations for Telangana state, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) said it would request the state government to classify pharmaceutical, diary and manufacturing sectors under the Essential Services Maintenance Act. According to CII, such a classification would ensure companies operate in a seamless environment and offer a safety cover during internal disturbances. Currently, they are classified under the Shops Establishment Act. Following the disruption of work due to frequent agitations since December 2009, the state government in February last year categorised the IT and ITES sector as essential services. “Sectors such as pharmaceuticals and diary need to be categorised as essential services as they deal with products that are transported using refrigerated trucks. If there are any disruptions either during production or distribution, the quality of shipments gets affected severly. We will request the government in this regard,” Suchitra S Ella, vice-chairman, CII told Express. There are over 440 pharma exporters in the state including multi-nationals such as Nektar, DuPont and Eisai Pharmaceuticals. Currently, AP contributes 40 per cent of the total Indian bulk drug production and 50 per cent of bulk drug exports. Besides, there are several SMEs with manufacturing presence across the state. “Such a classification would reinforce assurance to the investors and attract new investments into the state. It will restore confidence among the investor community and Hyderabad could once again be considered as a potential destination to set up operations,” she said.
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