Sensitisation workshop on cluster development in Sikkim held

Cluster development in Sikkim can be a great source of employment: PD Rai



GANGTOK, June 11: MP Lok Sabha, PD Rai today said cluster development in Sikkim can be a great source of employment for the unemployed and can certainly add to the economy of the State as well as the Nation.

Addressing a daylong sensitization workshop on cluster development held here today, Mr Rai, the chairperson for the session said there is a need to prepare a road map in making cluster development and IIE (Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship) more functional in Sikkim. “Sikkim though small with geographical shortcomings has a great potential in this field,” he said while informing how the present Chief Minister Pawan Chamling led government has maintained tranquil and peaceful environment in the state by the good governance of the government.

At the same time, he expressed concern over the poor digital connectivity in the State.

He said that the cluster development approach has not taken up momentum in the North Eastern part of India and that there is a need to develop synergies among various schemes of different departments and organizations to spread the benefits of the cluster development programme on a wider scale. “Financial institutions such as NABARD can play a key role in the rural areas by financing the artisans,” he added.
Earlier, IIE Director K Ahmed in his welcome address gave an overview on cluster development. He said the growth of MSME in the North Eastern parts of India is slow. “With globalization as a challenge, growth of clusters can not only lower the cost of production and make the firm produce at a competitive end but can also give a thrust access to a wider market with the state of the art technology and better quality product,” Mr. Ahmed pointed out.

Dr. S Boruah, the head of Centre for Industrial Extension, IIE also made a power point presentation on cluster initiative of IIE with specific focus on Okharey, Carpet Making cluster.

The workshop was organized by Regional Resource Centre on Cluster Development, IIE Guwahati and sponsored by office of the DC Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India with the objective to bring together various organizations/institutions concerned with cluster development so as to synergise the efforts and add further momentum to cluster development in the State.

source;sikkim express