New Delhi, Aug 23 (KNN) Envisaging a boom in electric vehicles, the Forum of Small Scale Industries Association, an umbrella body of industries in Pimpri-Chinchwad has decided to form a special consultancy cell to help entrepreneurs in the sector.

Abhay Bhor, President of the forum, said they have asked for setting up of Udyog Kendras as one-stop shops for all consultancies and policy-related work for the sector in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) centers.

He said that the central government has been battling for the use of electric vehicles and has announced sops such as tax rebates and easy availability of finance.

Around 65% of the 4,000 operational units in Pimpri-Chinchwad is with automobile sector, he added.

Bhor said, “Once electric vehicles start making their presence felt, such industries will have to fight for their own survival.”

Commenting over this initiative of setting up consultancy cells, Bhor said that the main objective behind formation of consultancy cells is to bridge the technology gap and allow for the growth on new entrepreneurs in the sector.

The forum is also in the process of holding exhibitions which would allow entrepreneurs to come together and work in the sector.

Most units lack the technical know-how and trained manpower necessary to make the move to the electric sector, he added.

He said series of sops have been announced by government to boost electric vehicles are mostly on papers.

To encourage the young entrepreneurs, we have urged government that the tax rebates and easy finance be made available to new age entrepreneurs, said the forum president.

Bhor also said every industrial hub should have a Udyog Kendra which will allow entrepreneurs to access loans and get necessary government sanctions.

“We have asked the MIDC to ensure such kendras are operational soon,” he said.

Referring to the lack of trained manpower in the sector, Bhor said it can greatly slow down growth.

Since, the sector lacks practical knowledge, Bhor said,“We have asked the ITIs to make necessary adjustments in their syllabi to help the upcoming boom in the sector as some portions related to electric vehicles are covered in ITIs in mechanical and electrical courses.”