While the Alliance government claims to be attracting new industries, the reality is that existing industries in Visakhapatnam are shutting down.
The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, a key symbol of Andhra Pradesh’s industrial strength, is facing uncertainty.
If it moves to the private sector, there are concerns it may no longer remain viable, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of people.
In Special Economic Zones (SEZs), despite incentives like land and tax concessions, more industries are closing down.
The latest example is the Abhijit Ferro industry in Achyutapuram, which shut down abruptly, leaving nearly a thousand workers unemployed.
Frustrated after losing their jobs despite having given up their lands for SEZs, the workers have taken to the streets in protest. They submitted a memorandum to the local Tahsildar, demanding the government reopen the industry.
Many other SEZ industries are also at risk of closure if conditions do not improve.
While the government continues its efforts to attract new businesses, companies are shutting down when profits fall short of expectations.
Workers are calling for the reopening of closed industries, rather than hearing about the arrival of new companies.
