It is now the turn of the industry to feel the heat of the general strike in the Telangana region. Thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the industrial areas around Hyderabad had to close down today following a power cut and a strike call .
The Telangana Industries Forum has called for a two-day strike from today in support of the agitation demanding Statehood for the region. On top of that, the Government announced a power holiday today.
A few industries that had diesel generators functioned for a few hours. But the situation was largely grim in almost areas, including Nacharam, Kukatpally, Balanagar, Jeedimetla.
The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) estimates that the loss in terms of production and export due to the industry shutting down would be at least Rs 500 crore a day.
The FAPCCI has estimated that the loss during the general strike would be Rs 1,800 crore (at Rs 150 crore a day), across various sectors. Singareni Collieries, Road Transport, education sector, hospitality, retail have been severely impacted.
A general strike, Sakala Janula Samme, called by a cross-section of people representing various sectors, has reached the 13th day. In the previous two days, trains and autos have stopped running, causing severe hardships to people.
Pro-Telangana activists also tried to put up obstructions to stop IT employees reaching the Hitec city, though companies had made arrangements to transport employees. The Government provided some security, thereby reducing the impact of the strike.
State Government employees of various departments in the Telangana region also struck work on Monday.