The need for the growth and development of industrial clusters in the southern districts was discussed at an interaction meeting organised by the Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association (MADITSSIA) on Tuesday.
Addressing an audience of cluster representatives from Southern Tamil Nadu, the Joint Commissioner for Cluster Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), S.R. Samuel said the MSMEs employed over 60 million people across the country and were manufacturing nearly 45 per cent of the total products.
“Tamil Nadu has a very high rate of cluster development when compared to the rest of the country. With innovative approaches and the readiness of the people to become entrepreneurs, the state at present has a high number of MSMEs,” he said.
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Talking about the scenario inside the state, he said the southern districts were lagging behind with respect of clusters compared to other parts of the state, and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises was looking to resolve issues with respect to technology and land conversion that aspiring entrepreneurs faced.
Applauding the innovative ideas backing clusters in the southern districts, Mr.Samuel said creatively using the resources available and not contributing to exploitation or environmental damage was the need of the hour. “There will be a direct increase in employment opportunities across the districts, which will avoid pressure on the urban areas since most people tend to migrate looking for work,” he explained.
The cluster representatives and members of the audience presented memorandums and appeals to the Joint Commissioner related to the release of funds for their projects in the pipeline as well as queries regarding land conversion for industrial purposes.
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Mr.Samuel assured the entrepreneurs assembled of representing their requirements to the ministry office in Delhi.