All India Confederation of Small and Micro Industries Associations (AICOSMIA) organised a national conference on SSI growth and competitiveness in New Delhi on February 27. The conference was attended by representatives from various industrial cities of the country including Khurja, Rajkot, Pune, Kolkata, Kanpur, Faridabad, Varanasi, Fazilka, etc.
Addressing the representatives Dr Chandrapal, Secretary, Ministry of SSI and ARI, observed that the 11th Plan had envisaged raising the growth rate of industrial sector to 10 percent and manufacturing growth to 12 per cent per annum. He said the MSEs had a critical role to play in achieving the objective of faster and more inclusive growth. Cluster approach could help to increase the viability by providing the enterprises with infrastructure, information, credit and support services. He further observed that empowering people with skills and knowledge and giving access to productive employment in future assumed significant importance. On the pattern of China Bazar in all overseas markets, it is time for the small-scale industries to open SME Bazar in India and overseas.
Earlier, Shri Sudarshan Sareen, national president of AICOSMIA said the innumerable problems being faced by the small industries are dampening enthusiasm of the industry to fully display its inherent potential. He assured if the Inspector Raj was abolished, cumbersome procedures were simplified, different Acts were brought under a Single Act, return was made simpler, credit flow was ensured and dedicated marketing support was provided, the small industries had the ability to double the production, export and provide 100 per cent more employment.
Shri P.K. Padhy, IES, Additional Development Commissioner and Economic Adviser (SSI), Government of India, felt that in view of the growth of net bank credit to sectors other than small-scale industries, 20 per cent annual growth in credit provision to SSI was not adequate.
Shri D.K.Gupta, Dy General Manager, State Bank of India, gave a detailed highlight of various schemes of SBI specially for the small scale sector namely SME Credit Card, SME Smart Score, Credit Guarantee Fund Trust Scheme, etc. He drew special attention of the participants on the Traders Easy Loan Scheme under which entrepreneurs in trade and services have access to hassle-free finance. This scheme will be extended to small-scale industries. Shri S.V.G. Nandagopal, CGM, SIDBI, also spoke on the occasion. (FOC)
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