Surat, September 1 – A delegation of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai in Gandhinagar on Monday, September 1, 2025, to present several critical issues concerning the business community.
The delegation, led by SGCCI Vice President Ashok Jirawala, Honorary Treasurer CA Mitesh Modi, and Joint Secretary Paulik Desai, submitted a detailed presentation highlighting challenges and pressing demands. The key issues raised included long-pending concerns related to GIDC, blocked ITC refunds since 2023, and the need for financial relief packages to offset losses caused by tariffs imposed by the United States.
Among the major demands were simplification of transfer policies, immediate release of blocked ITC refunds, and extension of VAT refund benefits under the 2001 textile policy for another two years. The chamber also sought a subsidy of Rs. 2 per unit on power tariffs for the textile sector for two years, urgent appointment of a master developer for the PM Mitra Park, and inclusion of the SGCCI president in the SPV board. Additionally, it proposed granting industrial status to automobile sales and service units operating within GIDC areas, elimination of vehicle tax in municipal regions, and provision of agricultural-rate electricity for shrimp farming. Approval of offline applications under the Gujarat Textile Policy 2019 was also requested.
As per report, both the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister responded positively and assured the delegation that the issues faced by industries would be resolved at the earliest. SGCCI expressed confidence that the implementation of these measures would accelerate industrial growth in South Gujarat and provide much-needed encouragement to regional industries.
