Rishad Ease Obstacles Faced by Manufacturers of Box of Matches.

Manufacturers of box of matches met Minister of Industry and Commerce  Rishad Bathiudeen and aired their grievances. They brought to the notice of the Minister the obstacles faced by them in obtaining approval from the Ministry of Defence in importing raw materials such as  Potassium Chloride  and red pospherous. When they submit tenders for approval the Defence Ministry insist to produce relevant samples along with it. Unlike in previous period, the quantity of samples to be produced  is now increased. As this raw material could easily be ignited air services are reluctant to undertake transportation. But they allow only a limited quantity. Once imported it has to go through several tests, which takes 3 to 4 weeks. Once, it is completed defence  ministry  takes 2 weeks time to grant approval. To complete all these process and import raw materials it takes more than 1 ½ months.

Once raw material is imported, it has to go through all tests once again. This has caused much damage to the production. Hence, the  fall in production. Eleven manufacturers in unison said that they find it difficult to pay remuneration and other allowances to 8000 employees in the industry.

Minister immediately contacted the defence secretary and conveyed the sentiments. Defence Secretary in turn has promised to look into their grievances and remove possible obstacles.