Current Scenario of Government undertaking industries in Western Development Region of Nepal

Industries and factories are back bone of nation development. They are responsible for generation of products for nation as well as providing employment for people. If we look recent trend there is more import of goods almost all types rather than export which leads for outgoing of billions of money. The industries having solid foundation as well proud history reflecting not only nation name inside country but beyond regional and national boundary are on brink of shut down.

The western development region is not only host of touristic centres but also an industrial hub of Nepal. This region proudly owns private as well as public industries producing sugar, paper, thread, cement, rubber and other daily products. The private industries are sustaining and flourishing despite various hurdles like manpower crisis, power shortage, availability of market , labor union issues(To sum up few major ones). The Choudary group, Panchakanya steels, Nepal hydro Electric limited, Butwal Power Company(to name few) are successfully running their operation.

If we talk about industries under government then their condition is beyond imaginable. Below we will discuss the details about few industries under government undertakings:

1.Gorakhali Rubber Udyog: It only opens few months throughout whole year. Most the equipment’s installed are working but strike of worker , union issues and lack of market is causing major hindrance for smooth operation of rubber plant. The worker are on pay scale and enjoy all facilities with zero productivity.

2.Bhurikuti Paper Mill: This paper industry is almost dilapidated and has been closed since long time finally turned into ruins. The re-running will require huge makeover and investment. The equipment’s used are almost no use.

3. Sunal Sugar Mill: The sugar mill once used to produce sugar which was more than enough for national consumption. The operation of mill is limited to sugar seasons only and production with one section use of mill. Due to repeated strike by sugarcane farmer and mill authority over price of sugar it remains closed almost all seasons.

4. Hydro Power Station: This region houses major three hydro station i.e Kaligandaki A, Madya Marasyandi, Lower Marasyandi.But due to extreme load of generation of electric power and pressure from load distribution centre, they are operating without proper repair and maintenance.They require immediate shutdown for short period so all necessary repairing work can be done. Due to use of advance technology they will lighten Nepali house still for coming decades.

So good national industrial policy, power supply, no political interference, good management handling, market place will require to uplift status of industry.