Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) had announced that it has launched several Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) cluster development initiatives. With this, SIDBI is ready to diagnose around 100 clusters and further plan in 15 clusters. This has been done in an effort to identify and execute a multi-pronged strategy that will enable and impact MSME clusters at local, regional, national and global value chain levels.
NS SIDBI supporting MSME So far through its focused cluster development initiatives like technology up-gradation/modernisation, skill/re-skill/up-skill and support for market linkages. The cluster development strategy under SIDBI has evolved over time. It has reached a point where it can now cater to over 600 MSME clusters as per a press release. There are some notable engagement initiatives in this launch. One such link is the EU Switch Asia which affects 18 clusters in about 9 states across India. Then there are the cluster outreach programs which have led to setting up of Project Management Units (PMUs) in around 11 states that aim to focus on cluster and state collaboration. Other notable works include Artisan Clusters and Linkage in One District One Product (ODOP) along with State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM).
The financial institution has been a regular supporter and advocate of MSMEs in the country and has been systematically pushing publications and policy papers to aid in this endeavour. Financial Services Secretary, Debashish Panda, was the first to launch an information chain titled ‘Diagnostic Mapping of Clusters – Charting the Path Forward through Intervention’. This marked the beginning of SIDBI’s newly oriented focus on cluster strategy aimed at MSME clusters. Speaking at the launch, SIDBI said, “It compiles the findings that have emerged from clinical studies across 30 cohorts. This includes recommendations and action plans for financial and non-financial issues, suggested interventions at policy, cluster and unit levels.
Adding to this, S Raman, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI was quoted as saying, “We are pushing for tough infrastructure support to the state governments. DFS and RBI have supported us in setting up the SIDBI Cluster Development Fund.
He said that soft infrastructure engagement will complement the hard infrastructure. He said that SIDBI has started mapping exercise of about 100 clusters with cluster experts. Raman said, “In line with cluster experts, we have started mapping exercise of 100 clusters so that implementation by SIDBI and other institutions can lead to sustainable development of clusters.”
Since the typologies of cluster development generally include both hard and soft infrastructure, the financial entity launched the Business Development Services Intervention Program in 5 clusters. These are the tourism group Jammu and Kashmir; Delhi-NCR Innovation Cluster; Jodhpur Wood Furniture Cluster, Sambalpur Textile Cluster, Chennai Leather Cluster. This was done to better serve the soft infrastructure. The ultimate goal of the intervention is to ultimately strengthen the MSME clusters and help them develop into model clusters. There is also the added objective of trying to increase their access to services that will enable these groups to move up the value chain, the release said.
Pankaj Jain, Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Madnesh Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary, DFS were also present during the launch event.
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