Nod for tools, technology centre in Sedarapet

To come up at a cost of Rs. 100 cr. at Sedarapet

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has cleared a proposal to establish a tools and technology development centre at Sedarapet near here at a cost of Rs.100 crore.

It was one of the six centres announced by the Union government in its 2013-14 budget.

It is aimed at providing testing and training for entrepreneurship development and preparation of projects and product profile.

The Puducherry government has allotted about 10 acres of land at Sedarapet and a communication already been sent to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which will set up the facility.

Union Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanasamy told The Hindu on Saturday that he had received inputs from the Ministry that it had sanctioned all approvals, including financial nod, for the project.

Foundation stone would be laid on February 22 and Minister of State for MSMe K.H. Muniappa would inaugurate the construction work.

Lieutenant Governor Virendra Kataria and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy would be invited for the function.

Mr. Narayanassamy said that he would expect the presence of Chief Minister at the function as the territorial administration had provided land for the project.

While claiming that the project was among major achievements of his, the Union Minister said it would answer his critics who had been telling that Mr. Narayanasamy had not brought any scheme to Puducherry. The project would provide impetus to the development of small and medium enterprises in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. It would support industries situated up to about 500 km from Puducherry to carry out design and research for their new products using modern tools and machineries.

Mr. Narayanasamy added that the centre would offer high-end skill training, particularly to youngsters. They could be fully employed within the period of training. It would be a premier centre for design, development and training.

Stating that the centre would act as a catalyst to bring more industries to the union territory, Mr. Narayanasamy said the construction work was likely to be completed with one and a half years. Initially, it would provide training to about 2,000 youngsters.

AFT land

Asked about permission sought by the AFT Mill management to sell Pattanur land, he said the Home Ministry had already approved the proposal and it had been sent to the Finance Minister for clearance. He had also spoken to Union Finance Minister to take steps to clear the proposal as quickly as possible.