Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, May 5 (PTI) Small-scale industrialists from Marathwada demanded competitive electricity rates for industries in Maharashtra and a GST tribunal in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar during their interaction with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

A Marathwada Association for Small-Scale Industries and Agriculture (MASSIA) delegation, led by its president Arjun Gaikwad, met the state finance minister on Sunday in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The memorandum demanded the establishment of a Goods and Service Tax (GST) tribunal in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, emerging as an industrial hub, and competitive electricity rates for industries, arguing that other states provide power at comparatively cheaper rates.

Other demands include the construction of a ring road for connecting the Shendra-Bidkin-Waluj industrial areas, the commencement of the construction work for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar- Pune expressway, and its connection to the Chakan industrial area.

The industry association demanded a separate police station for the Waluj industrial area and a network of CCTV cameras.

The MASSIA requested action against individuals misusing RTI provisions to target industries and extortionists. PTI AW NSK

GST tribunal demand and competitive electricity rates sought to align industrial tariff and dispute resolution access. Demand for a GST tribunal and competitive industrial electricity tariffs to address inter-state pricing disparities, improve access to GST dispute resolution, and reduce burdens on small-scale units; ancillary requests include a ring road linking key industrial areas, initiation of an expressway connection to a major industrial cluster, a dedicated industrial police station with expanded CCTV coverage, and administrative action against RTI misuse and extortion to safeguard industrial operations.