Assocham proposes 12 SME clusters in Jharkhand

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has mooted a proposal for setting up 12 new clusters for small and medium enterprises on the public private partnership (PPP) model in Jharkhand to create four lakh direct and indirect jobs.

A delegation from Assocham led by its secretary general D S Rawat and state coordination chairman Ravi Wig met Jharkhand chief minister Arjun Munda recently and suggested constitution of Cluster Development Authority (CDA) in the state to facilitate the development of clusters.

Assocham estimated a budget of Rs 400 crore to provide the basic and essential infrastructure for the proposed 12 new clusters in Jharkhand. The Chamber said that once these clusters become operational, it would give additional 10 per cent revenue to the state exchequer.

Submitting the study reports on ‘Cluster Development in Jharkhand for inclusive Growth” to the chief minister Arjun Munda, the secretary general of Assocham told reporters that Assocham will hold a summit on cluster development with the Jharkhand government focusing on food processing, development of herbals, skill development, power and promotion of SME’s.

Assocham has proposed to bring entrepreneurs from outside Jharkhand to set up units in the proposed clusters specially for handloom, handicrafts, engineering, fabrication, stone and wood carving, cane and bamboo products, metal craft and auto components.