Date:03/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/05/03/stories/2007050304391000.htm

Back Micro, small sector may get more aid

Our Bureau

New Delhi May 2 The Government has proposed to increase the financial assistance to existing clusters of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) up to 80 per cent of their financial requirements. This has been provided for under the Eleventh Plan.

While speaking at a conclave organised by the CII in partnership with the Ministry of Small Scale Industries on Wednesday, Dr Chandrapal, Secretary, Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Rural and Agro, said, "This assistance will be provided towards aspects such as technology upgradation and meeting the financial gaps."

Mr Jawahar Sircar, Additional Secretary in the Ministry, said, "To enable MSMEs to become competitive, the Government is proposing to build a pool of consultants under its National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme." These consultants would be deployed with a cluster of 8-10 companies for a period of 12-18 months. The cost of these consultants will be borne by the Government, Mr Sircar said.

He also said that the cluster concept of MSMEs was India's answer to global competition. "While other countries have the resources to build mile long factories, we bring together our resources in the form of clusters to create large organisations to compete globally," he said.