Power shortage, recession and competition resulted in closure of 44,997 small scale and 845 medium and large scale industries in Maharashtra during 2009-10.

The closures left 1,97,798 workers in the small scale and 1,53,786 persons in the Medium and large industries unemployed, according to the Economic Survey for 2009-10.

The percentage of small scale industries which closed down during 2009-10 increased by 35 over the previous year, it said.

The report noted that closing of industries is becoming a severe problem.

In 2007-08, 26,220 industries closed down affecting 1,43,381 workers while in 2008-09, 33,359 industries shut down leaving 1,94,629 workers unemployed.

The increase in closure of small scale industries, medium and large scale industries may be due to power shortage, worldwide recession in the economy and competition, it stated.

As many as 845 medium and large scale industries closed down in 2009-10 affecting 1,53,786 workers.

In 2007-08, 474 medium and large scale industries closed down leaving 67,355 workers unemployed.