Hyderabad: President of Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FTCCI) Jayadev Meela , has earned a big name in Industrial fraternity in India. Yes, talking about Meela Jaydev, the current president of 107 years old organization FTCCI. Jayadev Meela made Sudhakar Pipes a brand on the strength of his father, other family members and himself. Apart from serving as a director in a big industrial group, Jaydev Meela devotes 70 percent of his time to FTCCI, which purely reflects his sense of social dedication.
When we met him at FTCCI building, he was so cordial and welcomed us in a gentle way. He happily agreed for media interview and the conversation began. I first congratulated him on being elected FTCCI President and asked the first question about the organization and its functioning. Jayadev Meela shown his gratitude having opportunity to lead 107 year old FTCCI. He stressed that in terms of the prestige of the institution, it took him 20 years to reach the post of president. After serving as Managing Committee member and Senior Vice President for two decades, he has now been handed over the command as President.
In fact, if an organization of entrepreneurs had already been formed in the Hyderabad region 107 years ago, then there should be a huge expansion of industry in this area. Jaidev Meela answered this in a very calm manner. He said that the organization was started during the Nizam rule to protect industrial interests. Whereas the period of real industrialization started about two and a half decades ago. After which the responsibilities and work of FTCCI increased with all sorts of complexities, we supported the expansion of industries in the then unified Andhra region.
What changes will he make in FTCCI as president?
Can we expect organizational changes in FTCCI after you becoming the President? In a very gentle manner, Jaidev Meela said that the committee is elected and the President always gets support of members. There are about 22 expert committees in FTCCI which we generally do not interfere with. These expert committees study various topics and prepare suggestions or memorandums for better development of industries, and same is submitted to government. He said, Many business organizations are directly associated with us and we effectively convey their legitimate demands to the government.
Struggle continues over trade license tax
FTCCI President, Jaydev Meela gave his opinion regarding trade license tax in Telangana. For the last twenty years, the maximum trade license tax for traders has been fixed at Rs 7000. Whereas under the new system, state government has decided to fix trade license tax on square feet basis. Giving an example, he said that if the area of a shop is one lakh square feet, then even for two rupees, trader will have to pay two lakh taxes to the government, which is not justified under any circumstances. FTCCI’s suggestions on this issue are pending with the government and if it wins, lakhs of businessmen will get direct benefits.
Industry expectations in Telangana?
If we talk about big industries, their most important requirement is allotment of large chunk of land. According to Jaidev, FTCCI also give necessary suggestions in this regard to Telangana government. Jaydev Meela appreciated the Tpass online system in Telangana, through which online applications can be made and all types of licenses are also provided within the stipulated 21 days.
Jaydev Meela opines on Plastic Industry
Jayadev Meela said with an open heart that industries have always supported the Pollution Control Board. Especially with regard to banning plastic, Telangana government has adopted a practical approach which is commendable. At present low thickness polythene only is banned in this state. Jaidev Meela stressed that we cannot deny the usefulness of plastic.
The government is justified in banning low thickness plastic. According to Jaidev, the government should make it mandatory to use 10 percent of plastic waste in bitumin Road. Apart from this, plastic is also used in the garment industry. Jaydev Meeva expressed the need to create plastic recycling units in every district of Telangana.
Connectivity is essential for growth
Jayadev Meela said that there is a need to develop infrastructure in every district for industrial development and for this there is a need to further expand road connectivity. According to him, employment cannot be created by relying only on the government. For this it is necessary to setup an industry. He said, some work has been done in Siddipet, Adilabad and Mahabubnagar on the recommendation of FTCCI and the efforts of the government, while a lot remains to be done.
Is real estate really a measure of development?
Does the increase in real estate prices in Hyderabad really indicate development of the metropolis? Jaidev enumerated several parameters regarding the increase in land prices. He said that today the government is giving permission to multi-storey buildings. Due to which land prices are increasing in cities. Investment has increased in Hyderabad in recent times, people want to settle in this city. Due to high demand, land prices are increasing in Hyderabad. Praising the government, he said that the government is giving many concessions for investment in Telangana. Besides, there is a system of online clearance for the formalities which has to be completed in just 21 days. Due to all this, the attraction of investors towards Hyderabad has increased.
Message to traders and industry in Telangana
Last question regarding FTCCI I asked Jaidev, what message will you give to the entrepreneurs as the President. In response to this, he assured that the organization is ready to protect the interests of the entrepreneurs, and if the entrepreneurs or businessmen of Telangana face any kind of problem, they should approach the FTCCI with an open mind. According to Jaidev, the organization will pay attention to their problems and will also convey it effectively to the government.
How Sudhakar Pipes and Fittings started?
Jaydev Meela is providing direct services in the prestigious Sudhakar Pipes and Fittings. The industry was started by his father Meela Satyanarayana, a farmer, teacher and well-known freedom fighter, in the seventies. Jaidev said that his family comes from Vaishya community, hence the inclination was always towards business. The father first took the contract of a rice mill, in which he also had the support of his grandfather. In those days, there used to be Industry Promotion Officers appointed by the government who encouraged people to set up industries, especially in rural areas. After getting guidance from the authorities, the father purchased machines for the pipe industry from Bombay. He invested fifty thousand rupees from home and relatives and started the industry by taking a loan of one and a half lakh rupees.
At that time, there were many apprehensions among people regarding plastic pipes for electric wiring. People used to get open wiring done and there was a fear of pipe breaking due to inner wiring. My father did R&D to promote the product. He himself stood up and got plastic wiring done in many villages. Gradually when we started earning income, we used it to expand the industry. Initial days financial condition was very bad for two years. Along with running the industry, we also had to work for two hundred and fifty rupees on monthly salary.
At present Sudhakar Group produces 10 thousand tonnes per month output. On the question of how Sudhakar Pipes is made a brand, Jaidev expressed with full honesty that we never compromised on quality. He explained that if you use cheap products or pipes for inner wiring, you may face problems. But if you use Sudhakar Pipes then you can be rest assured about the quality. Whatever profit we earn from plastic pipes, we use to invest it in this industry only. Whereas only a small part of profit is received by the family as remuneration.
Sudhakar Pipes expansion plan
Jaydev Meela told that after earning name in South India, now the market of pipes has to be strengthened in North and Western India. According to him, some work has already started in Madhya Pradesh. Let us tell you that the first factory of Sudhakar Pipes was established in 1971 in Suryapet, Telangana. Jaidev enthusiastically tells, “My brothers and I had to do a separate job of Rs 250 monthly salary to run the house. Even though family did not discouraged only due to my father’s inspiration. Sudhakar Industry was set up by mortgaging my mother’s gold.” Jaidev says, “We did not make any profit for the first four years. We used to get taunts from people but we did not pay any attention to them. Today we are established as the largest industry in Suryapet.”
message for young entrepreneurs
Based on his own experience and being a successful entrepreneur, I requested Jaydev Meela to give some message to young entrepreneurs. I really felt extreme simplicity and candor in his answer. He said, “If you want to set up an industry, you will have to work 18 hours a day for at least five years, leaving aside the hope of profit. If you have a little income in the second year, do not spend it on luxury. Adapt yourself to technology. Jaidev gave strict instructions against getting involved in show off business. He told youth that if they have taken Bank Loan, then it should be spent only on the development of the industry and should not be used for personal use even by mistake. Jaydev’s teachings are no less than a Gurumantra for new generation, also under his effective leadership, industrial development can be fully expected in Telangana and this region.
-Vijay Kumar
 Jayadev Meela , has earned a big name in Industrial fraternity in India. Yes, talking about Meela Jaydev, the current president of 107 years old organization FTCCI.){kind=link}