A dissemination cum project end workshop of the program ‘Implementing BDS for MSMEs in Ludhiana Knitwear Cluster ‘, was organized at Dhodha Regency, Ludhiana recently. The program was attended by distinguished industry members and SIDBI officials. The program was an initiative by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI ) under the World Bank-led multi agency/multi activity Project on Financing and Development of MSMEs. While SIDBI was assigned with the responsibility of implementing the project, the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India was the nodal agency for the same. In order to ensure smooth implementation of the Project, SIDBI had set up a dedicated Project Management Division at New Delhi.
The IBRD, Department for International development (DFID) UK, KfW Germany and GTZ Germany were the international partners in the Project. This Project aimed to enhance the linkages between the various Business Development Service (BDS) providers present in the cluster and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in order to improve the competitiveness of the cluster and to contribute to overall generation of income, jobs and to contribute to sustainable development.
Mr. Vinod Thapar, President, FEKTAA and Knitwear Club addressed the gathering of eminent industrialists and consultants providing a brief description of the Ludhiana cluster and the initiatives being taken by the implementing agency under the project umbrella. He appreciated the work undertaken specially in the field of skill development and promised full support to continue with training initiatives even after the project tenure. He welcomed Chief Guest of the event Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, IAS (ADC) Development. Mr aggarwal emphasized the need of such support by industry to the government initiatives for successful impact of the program. Mr. Rajveer Singh provided a brief outline on the lessons learnt from the project and the initiatives undertaken.
A series of presentations on various interventions were given by various partners. Ms Manmeet Sodhia, Director Ivanna institute of Fashion Technology shared her experiences from the female skill development program undertaken by her. Eminent consultant Dr. Rajesh Bheda shared his experiences of working in the cluster and the remarkable productivity enhancement potential of the knitwear industry. Ms Aman Kocher from Sport King Institute of Fashion Technology gave a brief outline of the Council for Fashion Designers launched in the cluster and the advantages of the same to the industry. Mr Parag Dutt Kaushik from SGS gave a presentation on the social audits conducted in the knitwear industry.
Finally Mr. MM Vyas, Chairman Improvement Trust announced financial support for using premises of Knitwear Facility Centre at Focal Point as an exhibition centre. Even Mr. S.S.Dhillon, Director of MSME ensured to provide funds for this cause. They said that converting that centre into an exhibition centre will help entrepreneurs to display their products to enhance their business. Mr. S.S.Rekhi, Sr. IPO from DIC and Mr. B.S. Nagi Asst. Director MSME also graced the occasion with their presence.
The Meetings of “Delayed Payment Council” in regards of “MSME Delayed Payment Act 2006” are being held in Chandigarh, whereas this beneficial information is much needed in Ludhiana. Mr. Vishavbandhu, DIC GM informed that further meetings of council would be held in Ludhiana.
Mr. Narinder Miglani, from knitwear club thanked the eminent gathering and promised full support to continue the activities of the project even after project tenure.
