Panel discussion on Ease of Doing Business

BHUBANESWAR, INDIA - Ease of Doing Business is an evolutionary process says Mr. G.K. Dhal, I.A.S, Principal Secretary, Department of MSMEs, Government of Odisha

Welcoming the provisions of the new Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2015 of the Government of Odisha with regards to providing a positive new environment for the entrepreneurs of the State Mr. Gagan Kumar Dhal, I.A.S, Principal Secretary to Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of Odisha emphasised that bringing in ease of doing business is an evolutionary process. This he said while delivering the inaugural address at a panel discussion organized by World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar in association with KIIT-TBI on the subject “Ease of Doing Business for MSMEs in Odisha” on 17th December, 2015 here at the auditorium of the KIIT School of Biotechnology. 

Being empathetic with difficulties and mental blocks faced by the entrepreneurs of the State he urged them to look at the latest IPR with a positive mind set. He apprised the entrepreneurs of various changes brought in the IPR which further strengthened the existing Single Window Mechanism of the state and also explained how the timelines have been now set for various regulatory and other clearances required for setting up an enterprise. He highlighted the need for extensive orientation of prospective entrepreneurs on risk taking ability, innovation and creation of new ideas. This he said would help in boosting their confidence which stood as a highly essential factor for the growth of entrepreneurship and MSMEs in the State.

Addressing entrepreneurship as a science he advocated for adoption of cluster approach which would not only ease the process of setting up a new enterprise but also positively influence their efficiency levels. Showcasing the example of the Food Park coming up in Rayagada he was enthused to share the fact that more than 200 entrepreneurs have already expressed their interest in the project.

Encouraging the entrepreneurs he mentioned that as a measure to provide assistance to the start-ups an innovation capital is already in place with the department of MSMEs, Government of Odisha and soon an incubation centre is scheduled to be in set up by the department at the state’s Utkal University.

He further highlighted the efforts planned by the government for educating the rural entrepreneurial mass on the policies of the government. He shared that six regional workshops, distribution of 5 lakh CD’s with the policy highlights and appointment of the selected successful entrepreneurs of the State as “Brand Ambassadors” are some of the upcoming measures for promoting entrepreneurship. Highly appreciating and thanking World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar for initiating this important discussion he took this occasion to also extend an invitation to the entrepreneurs to visit the MSME Trade Fair 2016 scheduled from 8th to 14th January 2016.

Presenting the opening remarks, Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar, CEO, KIIT- Technology Business Incubator highlighted on the efforts and activities of KIITs incubation centre in promoting the start-ups. Earlier, Mr.A.O.Kuruvila, Advisor – Trade & Education, World Trade Centre Mumbai in his welcome address, while sharing facts about the present export scenario of the country highlighted the position of India and Odisha in the ranking for ease of doing business. He asserted that World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar is committed to take up all initiatives in order to facilitate and promote exports from the state and hand hold the entrepreneurs to perform international trade.

Delivering the special address Mr. Samrendra Sahu, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development Bhubaneswar expressed his views about the change in mind set of the people of Odisha towards on the concept of entrepreneurship and welcomed this transformation of the service oriented mass switching to self-occupation. He further deliberated on the need to study the field level realities and take up a skill census of the state which is in pipeline. 

Mr. C.R. Pattanayak, Coordinator of Eastern Region, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Bhubaneswar and moderator for the discussion further welcomed Mr. S.S. Acharya, Head of SIDBI Training Institute Bhubaneswar to express his view on the subject. Mr. Acharya highlighted the importance of wealth creation and capital formation which could be achieved by developing a cohesive eco-system for the MSMEs to function. He emphasised the need for easing contract enforcement and advocated for a bankruptcy and social security mechanism to be brought in place for encouraging the aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Mr. Aditya Dash, Managing Director, Rams Assorted Cold Storage Limited, shared his experience of becoming an entrepreneur. Speaking about the absence of mega industrial units he highlighted the ease brought in financing of MSMEs by the arrival of venture capital and PE firms. He further deliberated on the shortage in availability of skilled as well as managerial staff which acted as a major bottleneck for the growth of the enterprises.

Mr. A.K. Sharda one of the leading entrepreneurs of the state further shared his experience of building an enterprise and insisted that an entrepreneur should be driven by his own determination and perseverance and should not lay back solely on the subsidies and incentives provided by the Government.

Delegates representing local entrepreneurs, leading companies of the State in sectors like Manufacturing, Logistics, Travel Services, Health Services, Food Processing Units, Power, Sea Food, Government Bodies, Financial Institutions and Educational Institutions attended the discussion. A lively question answer session of the participants with the panellists on various issues including policy, finance and other resources added immense value to the program. 

Dr. Manisha Acharya, Manager, KIIT –TBI, proposed the vote of thanks.

PHOTO (L-R): Mr. C.R. Pattanayak, Coordinator of Eastern Region, EDII, BBSR, Mr. Samrendra Sahu, CEO, IED, BBSR, Mr. G.K. Dhal, I.A.S, Principal Secretary, Department of MSMEs, Govt. of Odisha, Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar, CEO, KIIT- Technology Business Incubator
Dt: 17.12.2015
Auditorium, KIIT School of Biotechnology
Bhubaneswar

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