MSE Cluster Development Programme Achieves Major Milestone with 18 Projects: Minister Manjhi

New Delhi, Jul 30 (KNN) In a significant development for India's micro and small enterprises (MSEs), the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has reported substantial progress in its Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP).

The initiative, aimed at creating tangible assets like Common Facility Centres (CFCs), has seen the completion of 18 projects nationwide over the past three years.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, detailed the programme's success. The MSE-CDP addresses common challenges faced by small businesses, including technology upgradation, skill enhancement, and quality improvement.

The programme's impact has been notable. According to an evaluation study conducted by the National Productivity Council, clusters supported by the scheme have experienced a 10-15 per cent increase in overall productivity and a 20-30 per cent growth in turnover.

The ministry reported a steady increase in the number of Common Facility Centres developed over the past three years. In the financial year 2021-22, three CFCs were established.

This number rose to five in 2022-23, showing growing momentum. The most recent financial year, 2023-24, saw a significant jump with ten CFCs being completed, demonstrating the accelerating pace of the programme's implementation.

The geographical spread of these centres is diverse, covering states like Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.

The clusters support a wide range of industries, from traditional crafts like Gota Zari Lace in Ajmer and Silver Filigree in Magrahat to modern sectors such as engineering in Yamuna Nagar and textile knitting in Tiruppur.

This initiative marks a significant step in the government's efforts to bolster the MSME sector, a crucial component of India's economy. By providing shared infrastructure and services, the MSE-CDP is enabling small businesses to compete more effectively in an increasingly globalised market.

As the programme continues to expand, it's expected to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and driving economic growth across India's diverse industrial landscape.

This comprehensive approach to supporting micro and small enterprises through cluster development is a testament to the government's commitment to grassroots economic development.

The success of these CFCs could serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at strengthening India's vast and varied MSME sector.

(KNN Bureau)