In 7 years, under the Technology Centre System Programme (TCSP), only 5 MSME technology centres are functioning. In January 2015, the TCSP proposed 15 MSME technology centres.
According to government data, the total programme costs Rs. 2,200 crores and Rs 20 crore assistance from the World Bank. Furthermore, the programme was estimated to end by 2020-21.
Only five out of 15 TCs completed in 7 years
While the programme was to end by 2020-21, the work in specific proposed centres was still under implementation.
The centres under implementation are Baddi (Himachal Pradesh), Durg (Chattisgarh), Patna, Kochi, and Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu).
MSME Minister Narayan Rane in Rajya Sabha replied to a question, “These Technology Centres will provide assistance to MSME sectors in General Engineering, Automotive, Fragrance & Flavour and Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sectors through providing access to advanced manufacturing technologies, skilling of manpower in technology development, and providing technical and business advisory support to MSMEs.”
Furthermore, Narayan Rane informed other TCs in Bengaluru, Imphal, Sitarganj (Uttarakhand), Greater Noida are under implementation.
However, the TC Kanpur civil infrastructure and nearly 85% of the required training machines are completed and installed.
Why were only 5 TCs completed?
The completed TCs are Pusi (Andhra Pradesh), Puducherry, Bhiwadi (Rajasthan), and Bhopal.
Furthermore, according to a statement from the MSME Ministry on March 9, 2015, respective state governments allotted land to 9 locations.
However, the proposed locations of the TCs were changed, leading to the incompletion of the centres.
In March 2015, the nine identified locations were Kalaburagi and Kolar in Karnatka, Saha and Rohtak in Haryana, Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh.
MSME Technology Centres in India
The 18 TCs exist as autonomous bodies of the ministry that work on a self-sustainable basis.
They provided training to 2.73 lakh trainees, earned a revenue of Rs 350.96 crore, and supported 43,563 units.
Furthermore, the TCSP programme proposed an upgrade to the 18 TCs. The TCSP programme offered precision tooling with new technologies, including CAD?CAM, rapid prototyping, machining for tooling, vacuum heat treat, and providing a skilled workforce.
What is the future of MSME Technology Centres?
Narayan Rane inaugurated the Rohtak TC in September 2021, estimated to train over 8.400 trainees annually.
In the annual report of the MSME Ministry 2017-18, the completion of the remaining TCs expected the training capacity to increase from 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh per annum.
Lastly,
The MSME Technology Centres aims to build and train skillful trainees. The existing 18 TCs are proof of promising results.
Also Read – Narayan Rane: The SRI Fund to benefit 5,000 MSMEs
1 Comment