Assocham eyes Rs 70,000 cr investment through 16 new e-clusters

Apex industry body Assocham today unfolded plans to set up 16 new e-clusters on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis in Orissa with potential to attract investment proposals to the tune of Rs 70,000 crore for establishment of various units.

Around Rs 480 crore would be invested to provide basic and essential infrastructure to the e-clusters, each accommodating about 1,000 units and providing employment to about four lakh peope, Assocham secretary general D S Rawat told reporters here.

Once functional, the clusters would contribute additional 10% revenue per annum to the exchequer, help in inclusive growth and simultaneously lead to upgradation of existing clusters, he said.

 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector contributes around 40% to GDP with an estimated value of goods and services around Rs 20 lakh crore, he said adding clusters play a major role in improving productivity, quality, infrastructure and creating jobs and widening market.

There are only 26 clusters in Orissa recognised by the central government as against the total number of 6500, of which 450 are assisted by government, Rawat said.

"Once operational, the e-clusters could attract investment proposals worth Rs 70,000 crore for establishment of various units in the state," he said.

The 16 clusters are proposed to be set up at Palasa (cashew), Buditi (brass), Baripada (sabai grass), Dhenkanal (powerloom), Puri, Bhadrak (both rice mills), Dhamara, Basudevpur (both ice plants), Chandbali, Tihidi, Basudevpur (all 'chuda'), Bhandaripokhri, Dhamara (both honey), Betaligaon, Olaga and Dhusuri (all wood carving), he said.

Government assistance to unassisted clusters would improve the contribution of MSME sector to GDP and make available additional jobs.