The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has proposed the development of 16 new industrial agglomerations which would house 32,000 small and medium-sized units and extend employment to 6.5 lakh people either directly or indirectly. This is in addition to the six currently prevailing industrial agglomerations in Gujarat as identified by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
As per the study conducted by the Gujarat Council of ASSOCHAM, the body has recommended an allotment of Rs 5 billion to extend the most fundamental and indispensable infrastructure in the proposed agglomerations.
According to Sunil Kakkad – the chairman of ASSOCHAM Gujarat Council, the development of industrial agglomerations not only generates enormous employment opportunities at an extremely low cost but also fetches prosperity. It is accompanied by complete growth and development of the surrounding areas which are served by the industrial cluster by means of resource supply required for developing the social infrastructure, rise in per capita income and growth in the demand of consumer products and services.
ASSOCHAM has also proposed the formation of a statutory body – Cluster Development Authority (CDA) for the appropriate use of financial assistance that has been extended for the purpose of development. The 16 industrial agglomerations proposed by the ASSOCHAM includes the industry based in Surat which involves powerlooms as well as textiles, cotton cloth weaving industry based in Vijapur and the powerloom industry based in Kalol.
Fibre2fashion News Desk-India