Technology to Drive Positive Transformation of MSMEs: Kalraj Mishra

Mr Kalraj Mishra, Ministry of MSME, laid the foundation stone of Technology Centre at Durg, Chattisgarh. This centre is expected to be an enabler for the regional MSMEs, reports Faiz Askari.

NEW DELHI: Today, technology is well proven it’s worth for the MSMEs. Government of India in past few years have showcased a well defined approach towards the upliftment of MSMEs and several campaigns such ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’ and ‘Standup India’ are some flagship examples of government vision.

However, it is also identified that Technology Centres are needed and can contribute in several ways for the betterment of Indian MSMEs.

Mr Kalraj Mishra, Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry of MSME, laid the foundation stone of Technology Centre at Durg, Chattisgarh. This centre is expected to be an enabler for the regional MSMEs.

Considering the vital role played by the Technology Centres for promotion of the MSME sector, Government of India has approved a scheme “Technology Centre Systems Programme” (TCSP) at an estimated cost of Rs.2200 crore, including World Bank Loan Assistance of USD200 million for establishment of 15 new Technology Centres across the country.

On the occasion, Mr Mishra emphasized the importance of technology for MSMEs and said, “MSMEs which are the backbone of the industrial and economic development of the country. After Agriculture, the MSME generates maximum number of employment in which more than 8 crore people are employed through more than 3 crore 60 lakh enterprises. At present, there are 18 Technology Centres (10 Tool Rooms and 8 Technology Development Centres) operating under Ministry of MSME, Government of India. These Technology Centres support MSMEs through design, development and manufacturing of tools, dies, moulds, jigs & fixtures and precision components to improve productivity and quality of their products.”

However, these Technology Centres are equipped with state of art machinery & equipment to extend technological support to MSMEs to make them competitive at national and international level.

“Technology Centres apart from extending technological support also conduct Skill Development Programmes to provide skilled manpower to industries particularly MSMEs in respective sectors,” Mr Mishra also informed, “Every year nearly 2 lakh trainees are being trained by the Technology Centres.  Most of the passed-out trainees get employment in industries and a good number of trainees have also established their own industries.”

“One of such Centres is to be established at Durg, Chhattisgarh. Durg is one of the leading district in industrial development. Bhillai Steel Plant the largest in the country is located at District, Durg. There are sizeable number of  engineering, metal & mineral based MSMEs in and around Durg. DPR for the TC Durg has been prepared by Programme Management Unit (M/s EY LLP) in consultation with various stakeholders like State Govt. officials, Industry Association, local industries,” informed Mr Kalraj Mishra.

The estimated project cost for proposed TC (towards Plant & machinery, development of civil and associated infrastructure) is approximately Rs. 110 crores.  For construction management activities M/s TATA Consulting Engineers Ltd has been engaged as Construction Management Consultant and the construction of boundary wall has already commenced.

Further elaborating the unique strengths of Durg centre, Mr Mishra said, “This Technology Centre will be one of its kind at Durg, Chhattisgarh which will focus to cater need of tooling and critical component requirement for general engineering industry as well as skilled manpower support to all engineering industries of the catchment area.”

State Government of Chhattisgarh offered 25 acres of land free of cost for the project. The remaining expenditure towards establishment and operation of Technology Centre would be borne by Government of India.

Apart from technological support to the industry, the Skill Development activities at Technology Centre would commence from the initial stage itself and it is expected that once the Technology Centre becomes fully operational by fifth year, it would train nearly 8000 trainees annually.

“I expect that officials from State Government and Central Government would put in their maximum effort to complete the project within the expected time frame. I am sure that this Technology Centre will not only play a vital role in the industrial development of State of Chhattisgarh rather it will  prove to be a - Milestone” Mr Kalraj Mishra concluded.