Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has urged industries not to disconnect power lines until the dispute over lease is finally resolved. Stating that some industries have already paid the rent as per the Supreme Court’s verdict while other industrialists were trying to pay the dues, the CNI urged the government to extend the deadline for payment of dues.

Issuing a notice on June 9, Industrial Area Management Limited had directed the industry to clear the arrears within seven days. More than 300 industries are yet to pay dues of more than Rs 880 million for using physical infrastructures inside the industrial zone, said the Limited.

Pointing out the need of encouragement and protection of the production-oriented industries to make country’s economy dynamic, the CNI has urged all concerned to cooperate and facilitate in the smooth operation of the industries.

In a case related to the fare hike within the industrial zone, the Supreme Court had ruled on Chaitra 22, 2081 BS that the new fare hike by the company would be effective from July 6, 2079. While the industrialists have accepted the decision, the company has gone to the Supreme Court to review the Supreme Court’s decision.

“The CNI requests not to disconnect the power line to any industries within the industrial zone until the dispute is finally settled by the Supreme Court,” the CNI said in a press release.