New Delhi, Jan 8 (KNN) Eyeing at assisting the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the defence sector, the government is to sanction Rs 20 crores for the setting up of a defence manufacturing innovation centre in Coimbatore.

Earlier, MSME body, Coimbatore District Small Scale Industries Association (CODISSIA) in a representation to the defence minister submitted a proposal for the same.

The announcement of the fund comes as a response to the proposal, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a press interview.

As a part of the initial funding, Defence Ministry would release Rs. 20 crore for the hub, the minister said.

Talking to KNN, Sundaram V. President of CODISSIA informed that the region has immense potential of being associated with the larger defence manufacturing chain.

Informing of the prospects, Sundaram informed that there is an upcoming Industrial estate in Coimbatore that spreads over 400 acres. The estate would be ready early April following which it is likely to host over 300 MSME units that can collaborate and make products for the defence sector.

Sitharaman further said that the project is in line with PM Modi’s larger vision of Make in India. Once the centre is in place, common testing facilities, testing labs and trial grounds would follow, the Minister informed. (KNN/MG)