Rural Economies in Odisha Need a Boost

BHUBANESWAR, INDIA - The state of Odisha needs to work towards creating the infrastructure for multi-product clusters in the rural sectors to strengthen the rural economies. To implement it successfully, the state needs to identify few prominent sectors in the rural segment and focus on giving them necessary support, said Madhav Lal, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. Lal was addressing a workshop on “Make in India – Role of MSMEs” organized by World Trade Bhubaneswar at Bhubaneswar on March 23, 2015. 

Lal also highlighted that the SFURTI scheme of the government of India, which is designed to strengthen the village and traditional sectors with relevant assistance along with Make in India initiative will be successful if the rural economies can be transformed by integrating the rural industry. Lal admitted the government needs to play a greater role in addressing the concerns of the MSMEs during market failures.

According to Gokul Chandra Pati, Chief Secretary and Chief Development Commissioner Government of Odisha, said the local self-help groups are fast transforming the rural economies, and in particular the women self-help groups have emerged as active players in strengthening the clusterization in the rural areas. Pati emphasized the need for skill development and lauded the scheme of apprenticeship of the government of India, which imparts various forms of training to upgrade the skill of the small scale enterprises. 

Deliberating on the role of NSIC as a promotional agency for the MSME sector, Ravindra Nath, Chairman and Managing Director, National Small Industries Corporation, Government of India said that the MSME competiveness is key to the success of the Make in India initiative. Nath mentioned that presently 31 banks were covered under the MSME program, and last year, sanctions worth over Rs.350 cores were made by various banks for the MSME sector.  Panchanan Das, Secretary MSME, Government of Odisha highlighted the status of MSMEs in the state and the various opportunities available through the Make in India campaign of the central government to boost the MSME sector of the state.

Earlier in his welcome address Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman- World Trade Center Bhubaneswar said that the MSME sector accounts for 87% of the country’s employment and contributes to 40% of the total exports.  However the sector is constrained by many disadvantages such as inadequate finance, lack of infrastructure, and weak marketing. Kalantri also highlighted the prospects of Odisha becoming a hub for defense, food, and textile sectors. 

Referring to the activities of WTC Bhubaneswar, Kalantri said that WTC Bhubaneswar will integrate with the network of  over 300 World Trade Centers in over 100 countries, thereby helping to promote Odisha’s products in the global market.

Arup Dasgupta, Deputy General Manager, State Bank of India Bhubaneswar Zone explained the special schemes offered by the Bank to assist MSME units in the state.
Ms. Rupa Naik, Director WTC Mumbai proposed the vote of thanks.

Representatives from various organizations, industrial bodies and other trade and business stakeholders were present at this event.

(PHOTO, L-R: Mr. Gokul Chandra Pati, Chief Secretary and Chief Development Commissioner Government of Odisha; Mr.Madhav Lal, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India; Mr.Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, WTC Bhubaneswar)

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