Frequent power cuts have put almost 150 of these units out of business. The business has combined annual turnover of Rs 250 crore. Pulse processing requires round the clock power supply, however power cuts of more than 12 hours have increased the processing cost.
"Pulse processing remains closed each day. Frequent power cuts have increased the cost of production. Supply to exporters and local market has become difficult. The prices have also gone up since we have to pay additional payments to workers as overtime. We have to retain them even after working hours, till power supply is restored," Dau Dayal Jhawar, president, Udyog Sangh Piparia, said.
He added the State Electricity Regulatory Commission has already given priority status to small scale industry, but there seemed to be impact on power supply.
"Power is available from 6.00 am to 10.00 am and then is available only during 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. It becomes difficult to ask women employees to work at these hours," said Jhawar.
A power department official said: "The state government faces 750 Mw of power shortage due to delay in completion of the 500 Mw thermal power station at Birsinghpur and the 210 Mw Amarkantak thermal power station. However, Piparia is a tehsil and power cuts should not exceed 12 hours."