Nagpur: Consulate General United States of America, Mumbai, Jennifer Larson, Dy Principal Officer accompanied with Heidi Hattenbach, Information Officer / Spokesperson and Kristen Svarczkopf, Control Officer interacted with the Senior Office Bearers of Vidarbha Industries Association and members of Lady Entrepreneurs‘ Wing on 29th December 2017 at VIA.
CSR and Women’s empowerment were two major issues discussed by Jennifer Larson during interactive meet.
VIA President Atul Pande, briefed about 14 Forums of VIA and its nature of activities. The role of various forums like HRD Forum to develop skilled manpower, Taxation Forum to create awareness about new taxes and laws, EXIM Forum to develop international trade was explained. He also explained the synergy of VIA with State and Central Governments. VIA sends recommendations related to various issues of policy decisions and economic development of the country.
He talked at length about the Policy launched by Government of Maharashtra specially for women entrepreneurs. Maharashtra is the first State to declare such a policy that would really help women entrepreneurs to boost their own ventures.
Advisor & Past Chairperson of LEW, Prafullata Rode, informed about the purpose, functioning and different activities taken up by the Lady Entrepreneurs Wing (LEW). The Wing was formed to help and grow the budding and existing entrepreneurs, LEW wanted to boost normal/ordinary women, who had a desire to do some independent economic activity. While throwing light on the journey of the Wing, she explained how the wing helps to identify products, create awareness about Government Schemes. Concept of “UDYOJIKA” Exhibition started to help marketing the products of women entrepreneurs was explained.
Prafullata Rode also emphasized how through this exhibition needy women even tribal are given free stalls, how Khadi is promoted? How the wing conducts various seminars, workshops for the members?
Chairperson – LEW, Shachi Mallick and Chairperson – Marketing Forum, Shilpa Agrawal also expressed their views on women’s issues.
Taking keen interest Jennifer Larson discussed many woman related issues like their obstacles, their ability to balance the work and home, etc. She was more than pleased to know about the encouraging activities of ladies wing, women’s contribution in business, investment opportunities for business women was discussed.
She said recently USA and India jointly hosted 8th Annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad in November 2017, which highlighted the theme “Women First.” Trade Shows would be more helpful for ladies to exhibit their products.
CSR Chairman, Girdhari Mantri informed about VIA’s contribution in Jalyukt Shivar Scheme, Government of Maharashtra Project under CSR VIA donated Pokland Machines to Collector of Wardha, Kamptee & Mauda, Dist – Nagpur.
Shilpa Agrawal talked about the changing social scenario promoting business women, she explained ease of doing business which easily available funds and digital marketing.
Former Chairman of CSR Forum & Chairman – HRD Forum, Hemant Lodha, said in India, CSR Activity as per Companies Act, 2% contribution for large scale industries is defined in the law, but unfortunately at Nagpur, most of the companies’ corporate offices having at Mumbai and running their CSR activity from Mumbai and now companies are also spending good from Nagpur also. He explained in about Effluent Treatment Plants at Nagpur and its water is resued in power plants.
Jennifer Larson interested to know about Nagpur has listed in Smart Cities. Mr Pande said infrastructure is major thrust area, as projects like Metro Rail, Highway, Roads, Fly Over are going on at very fast phase.
Dr Suhas Buddhe said we have formed Food Processing Cell and Vidarbha is also producing good quality of Rice, Dal, Turmeric, Chilly, Oranges, etc. We organized production oriented programs and guiding local farmers to improve its produce, quality and productivity. We are also promoting ‘Made in Vidarbha’ and requesting farmers to use this Brand in their produces so that countries will know it comes from Vidarbha. In Defence Sector, Government of India has come up with Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) which is a good for industries.
Gaurav Sarda, said there are lots of good opportunities for US companies to set up their unit at SEZ Nagpur, because ample lands is available and power is cheap, tax free zone, etc.
Earlier, Atul Pande, welcomed Jennifer Larson, Shachi Mallick welcomed Heidi Hattenbach and Dr Suhas Buddhe, welcomed Kristen Svarczkopf with floral bouquets. Prominently present and interacted with Consulate members were Praful Doshi, IPP – VIA, Y Ramani, Vandana Sharma and Neelam Bowade and Dr Vijay Phate. Dr Suhas Buddhe conducted the proceedings and proposed a vote of thanks.
