Nagpur: A validation seminar was held at Udyam Hall, Udyog Bhavan Nagpur under the aegis of Department of Industries, Govt of Maharashtra. The seminar was held on 07 Feb 18 to ratify the ‘Vidharbha Defence Hub and Industrial Cluster’ jointly proposed by The Govt of Maharashtra, Vidharbha Defence Industrial Hub (VDIH) and TATA tech ltd(A TATA enterprise). The VDIH would essentially drive the project. The following members and participants were present:-
The deliberations were commenced by Mr Dushyant Deshpande who accorded a heartfelt welcome to all organisers and participants. Important guests and dignitaries were felicitated. The aim of the seminar was spelt out by DD so that the participants could effectively participate the ensuing deliberations. Agenda was circulated to all participants for their information. (Attached as appendix B)
The opening remarks were given by Mr. A P Dharmadhikari who gave out the Govt. of Maharashtra perspective on the initiative and the resolve of the Govt. to provide all assistance for growth of industries in Vidarbha Region with a special reference to Defence and Aero space. He deliberated on the public private partnership model and expressed his gratitude to TATA tech for being on board to steer the initiative and also impart ‘Skill Development’ of cotemporary requirements and ensuring mass employability. The Govt had sanctioned the cluster formation at Nagpur, Aurangabad, Pune and Ahemednagar.
Lt Gen Ravindra Thode(Retd) gave out the ethos leading to this initiative and brought out the huge opportunities that exist in the Defence and Aero space and need to harness this requirement into industrial manufacturing benefits . He also brought out the advantages of cooperative and inclusive participation by all MSMEs and industries in and around Nagpur. The vast potential which can be tapped was explained. The resolve of the nation for complete indigenisation of defence and aero space sector lends itself to be exploited to the optimum thereby leading to individual and regional industrial growth.
Mr Harshvardhan Gune , who has vast experience in the field of cluster formation and establishment gave out the nuances of the cluster and the TATA initiative and its benefits to the complete region. He explained to the proposal to the august gathering by sharing experiences of such an initiative. He explained the aspects of profitability, System of defence payments as also certain pitfalls of defence specifications in terms of old and archive vintage and obsolete technology.
Mr Dushyant Deshpande thereafter gave very detailed presentation on the subject and highlighted the opportunities to the industries and mode by which they would benefit tremendously. Queries and certain apprehensions of the industries was assuaged by giving solutions/answers. It was clearly brought out that the cluster is not a competitor but a felicitator to the industries. There was a need to exploit this initiative and bear the fruits.
Mr Sushil Kumar and Mr Pushkraj kaulgud gave an illustrative presentation in detail and highlighted how the TATA Tech was completely on board to support the proposal. Facilities for Design, Development, Skilling, Quality control, Manufacture, Innovation, and training of work force of the local and surrounding areas so that they are enabled individuals who can increase the output and hence better revenue generation. Pictorial depiction of all facilities and capability of the infrastructure was deliberated.
Dr Suhas Buddhe there after proposed validation of the proposal of the Defence and Aero space cluster. A detailed questionnaire was prepared for participants to deliberate and put forth suggestions to improve or modify the proposal if required. A very effective and Thought provoking brain storming was conducted by Mr buddhe. Various speakers gave out their views. Some of the prominent suggestions put forth by various dignitaries are discussed below :
Mr Atul Pande, President VIA, articulated his thoughts in a very effective manner. He fully endorsed the proposal and gave complete support to the initiative on behalf of the VIA. He suggested the following:-
Credibility and enhanced effectiveness of the industry by the cluster formation.
High demand of Defence and Automobile industry which can exploit the cluster.
Value addition to MSMEs and big industries by skill development.
Mr Manish Sanghvi Vice President , Butibori Manufacture’s Association (BMA) expressed his unflinching support for formation of the cluster. The following points were highlighted :-
Mapping of the existing industries may be carried out to know the strength and capability.
Training of HR related issues.
The BMA offered the existing infrastructure, Training centre and resources for use by the cluster, if need be.
The logistics need to be worked out based on Railways, Dry port.
Ordinance factories in the region be incorporated.
Mr. Narayan Gupta Vice President, MIDC Industrial Association expressed his desire to include Solar Power in to the cluster if possible. He highlighted the existing vendor base of Mahindra’s.
Mr. J.F. Salve Solar Explosives expressed his gratitude that this kind of cluster is being formed which can render one point contact and solution to requirements of the industries. He illustrated some instances that material which can be made available locally by cooperative collaboration was presently being sourced from distant areas leading to time and revenue losses.
It was unanimously felt by all participants that this initiative of forming a cluster would go a long way thereby ensuring growth, prosperity, improved revenue generation especially for MSMEs and large scale employment generation which is one of the key result area of the establishment.
It is informed to participant that the proposed Competence Centre at MIHAN would come up with the help of Tata Tech and after obtaining approval from Govt. of Maharashtra. The time lines for the project are as below
Mr. A P Dharmadhikari profusely thanked all organizers and participants for very thought provoking deliberations and expressed his gratitude for validating the formation of the cluster. Mr. D N Deshpande proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Dharmadhikari Joint Director Industries and Govt. of Maharashtra on behalf of Lt Gen Ravindra Thodge and VDIH
