"Since the formation of the new state till January 31 this year the government has received 5,289 applications for micro, small and medium units with investment outlay of Rs 2,538 crore and employment (potential) for 46,235 persons," State Industries Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said.
"A negative perception had been created earlier that industries will be driven away if Telangana was created," he said.
The minister said that 2.5 lakh acres of land, fit for industrial activities, have been identified and necessary infrastructure will be created thereon.
VST is setting up a tobacco processing unit at Toopran on the city outskirts at the cost of Rs 80 crore. It is expected to create 600 jobs.
The minister said a toll-free number and a new website would be soon launched, and 'a chasing cell' would be set up in the Chief Minister's Office in support of the new industrial policy.