Madurai-based trade and industry associations have urged the Tamil Nadu government to earmark additional funds in the state budget for 11 southern districts, saying the region continues to lag in industrial development.
Rathinavel, president of the Madurai Agri and All Industry Trade Association, said industrial and economic growth in the state remains uneven. Compared with the northern and western regions, he said, southern Tamil Nadu has fallen behind and needs innovative, constructive programmes that ensure inclusive growth across all districts.
He called for district-specific plans based on a detailed assessment of natural resources, human resources, industrial opportunities, agricultural strengths, tourism assets and geographic advantages in Madurai and other backward districts.
The association also sought focused development in tourism-led economy, agriculture and food processing, micro, small and medium enterprises, manufacturing, exports, knowledge-based sectors and skill development across industries.
Pointing to existing road and air connectivity, Rathinavel proposed setting up a permanent convention centre in Madurai to host national and international conferences, trade fairs and industrial exhibitions. He said southern Tamil Nadu has strong potential in heritage and spiritual tourism as well as nature, leisure, medical, rural, hill, beach and coastal tourism, and that better infrastructure enabling visitors to stay for two to three days could boost the region’s economy.
