The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India (Assocham) is planning to introduce the concept of e-clusters through which different industrial clusters across the country can be interconnected to share technologies and to sell products.

“We will soon introduce e-clusters, through which about 6,500 clusters across the country can share their technologies. It will facilitate the small and medium enterprises (SME) stakeholders for easy co-ordination with its members, other enterprises, buyers and sellers and cluster development agents. It is going to be a common data base platform,” said D S Rawat, General Secretary of Assocham. Assocham will start a common portal to facilitate the concept.

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“The total funds needed for these 17 clusters will be about Rs 400 crore, which could be mobilised through public private partnerships (PPP). This will contribute an additional 10 per cent revenue per annum to the exchequer,” he added.

The proposed clusters include Barjora, Khejuri, Bargachia, Mansinghpur, Hantal, Sahadatpur, Uhaynarayanpur, Domjur, Alipur Duar, Mogra, Nathungram, Daspara, Ahiritola, Taltala, Bowbazar, Nabadwip and Ranaghat. Currently, there are 43 clusters in West Bengal recognised by the government. Out of the 6,500 clusters across the country, only 450 are assisted by the government.

“Our next focus is on organic farming and food processing. West Bengal has a higher potential to become the first organic state in the country. We have asked the state government to identify five districts for this and have promised to help in the training of farmers in those areas,” Rawat said.

The industry body will start their West Bengal office in Kolkata by the end of this financial year to give further push to its state-specific plans.

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