Union Secretary reviews implementation of industrial schemes

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 24: A Technology Centre, costing Rs 100 crore, would be established at Ghatti in Kathua district with its extension counter at Sanatnagar in Srinagar besides district incubation centres across the State as a new initiative of MSME in the State.
This was disclosed by the Union Secretary, Ministry for MSME, Madhav Lal at an officers’ meeting, convened to review the implementation of schemes/programmes of the Ministry, here last night.
Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, heads of various Departments and District Industries Centres, representatives from J&K Bank were present on the occasion.
Emphasizing for effective implementation of Credit Guarantee Scheme in the State, Union Secretary said that this will facilitate entrepreneurs to take loan without personal security. He said EM1 and EM2 software packages will shortly be introduced in the State while it has already been implemented in 9 states of the country. He said this will improve in efficiency of registration of new units working in unorganized sector.
Madhav Lal asked the authorities of Industries Department to liaise with SIDBI for availing finance for Micro entrepreneurs of the State, adding that venture capital fund is being created to benefit business units dealing with Information Technology and Food Processing. He asked authorities of industries department to come up with a proposal for up-gradation and development of industrial estates under MSE-CDP scheme.
Mr Khurshid said that 80 kanal of land have been identified at Ghatti Industrial Estate for establishment of Technology Centre, while Rs 560 lakh stands expended on up-gradation and infrastructure development at Industrial Centres of Bari Brahmana, Gangyal, Rangreth and Khunmoh.
Regarding Prime Ministers’ Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Financial Commissioner said that 1608 units have been sanctioned against the target of 2328 during last financial year while the department disburses Rs 2701 lakh as margin money in favour of these unit holders.
Projecting enhancement of 1000 units in the original targets fixed for current fiscal under PMEGP of KVIB, he pleaded for inclusion of transport as activity for sanctioning of cases under the scheme. He said tourism has good potential for transport sector to generate employment in the State.
Financial Commissioner suggested inclusion of more items in the list of MSME for preferential purchase by Government Departments to accommodate products of food processing units of the State. Pleading for handicrafts related export study tours for the Artisans/Entrepreneur, he said MSME unit holder of the State may be allowed to participate in State level exhibitions held in other states of the country on NE States pattern including financial assistance.