The Ernakulam District Industries Centre saw a total of 2,267 new micro, small, and medium enterprises getting registered in the last financial year. The year also witnessed the registration of as many as 3,992 enterprises through the Kendriya Udyog Aadhar. The new enterprises generated a total of 8,981 fresh jobs in 2016-17 and involved a total investment of nearly ₹200 crore.
The district also saw a total of 124 new enterprises taking off with investments of more than ₹25 lakh. Investments under the scheme involved a total of ₹147.19 crore and fresh generation of more than 2,000 jobs.
According to data provided by the District Industries Centre, a total of 2,338 new enterprises were registered in 2015-16. The enterprises, at a total investment of ₹369.44 crore, generated a total of 13,529 employment opportunities.
The last financial year also saw a total of nearly ₹8 crore being disbursed through a programme implemented by the Department of Commerce and Industries. The year witnessed resurgent activities under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), under which the Department of Industries came to the help of 91 enterprises by granting them a margin money grant of ₹1.13 crore.
The department settled as many as 42 applications received through single-window clearance. The settlements included 34 applications received in the last financial year. It also took steps to issue deemed licence to four enterprises. During the said financial year, the department imparted training to a total of 43 new entrepreneurs under its Entrepreneurs’ Development Programme.
As part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship, the department conducted entrepreneurs’ awareness programmes at 40 educational institutions, including 16 institutions with entrepreneurs’ development clubs. Around 2,000 students participated in the programmes.
Besides, the department has been organising technology clinics to introduce potential entrepreneurs to new technology, and last year’s focus was on coconut products and aquaculture.
