SME should be judged in terms of capabilities rather that their turnover: MD, Alphamers

New Delhi Feb 27 (KNN) Growing progressively in the field of innovation, Alphamers hopes that MSMEs should be rather judged by their capabilities rather than in financial terms. D C Shekhar expressed his views in small conversation with KNN.

Prospering with innovations, Alphamers has set a mark by filing 6 patents this year and plans to go further. “As an SME ,  have been quite successful in producing new designs. In spite of R&D being expensive, we have managed to file six patents this year” Shekhar told KNN.

Some of the patented designs by the SME included design in the field of harnessing energy from ocean waves, controlling solid waste floating in rivers and lakes. Alphamers also developed a security barrier for purpose of navy – it acts like a wall in the water to stop any boat coming its way.

“We still have 15 designed planned but as an SME we have our limitation. And we are going as per our pace” Shekhar mentioned.

Though the company has been marking its presence in the field of innovations, it is not contented with the criteria used by the government to judge SMEs.

“SMEs should be judged by the value of what it has done and not in financial terms” Shekhar said. “Because imports maybe expensive and the logical result of indigenisation is being cost effective. And we will be cost effective. So if you would like us to participate then please bring the financial bar down and judge us by our capability. It a very difficult measure to take but I request the government to give a thought and definitely procurement cost and quality would be very good” he elaborated.

When inquired about the reason for lack of innovation in SMEs, Shekhar responded by saying, “One of the reasons being a larger technology gap that we faced for many years but the gap is closing very fast now. So India has to pace up to be competitive with overseas countries”.

He also mentioned that MSMEs are not doing much because it costs money as well there was lack of support. “Though the current govt aspires to help and support us, it will take time for systematic changes to happen” he said.

Shekhar believes that Defence Policy is going in direction of indigenisation and allowing small players to come inside. He was quite optimistic for the defence procurement policy but mentioned that there is still there is a long way to go.

“I think the intension of the policy is at its top and excellent. There is a will to make it more effective which is very appreciable. We have the patience to wait till small SME could take advantage of that” he elaborated his views on defence procurement policy. (KNN Bureau)