Ministry to expand technology centres at Rs 2,200 cr

The Union ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) is in the process of upgrading and expanding the network of Technology Centres at a total cost of Rs 2,200 crore, including World Bank funding of $200 million, under the Technology Centre Systems Programme (TCSP).

The government has called for Expression of Interest from consulting firms in the role of manufacturing technology partners for the TCSP. The EoI has been invited for two assignments - to appoint a manufacturing technology partner for the automotive sector and a manufacturing technology partner for the electronics systems design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector. Eligible firms must submit their applications by March 24, according to a document put out by the ministry.

According to the document, the Office of the Development Commissioner, MSME, under the ministry, is in the process of upgrading and expanding the network of Technology Centres by upgrading existing 18 TCs and establishing 15 new TCs at a total cost of Rs 2,200 crore.

This includes World Bank funding of $200 million under the TCSP. The centres are to be located in various parts of the country, and will cater to the needs of MSMEs by providing them with access to technology, skill development and consultancy services.

The Office of Development Commissioner is planning to hire consulting firms in the role of manufacturing technology partner for the automotive, general and precision manufacturing, ESDM, fragrance and flavours, footwear and leather, and designer and decorative glass sectors.

The hired manufacturing technology partner will also be expected to facilitate improvements in the environmental health and safety standards of the TCs. The aim of the assignment is to enhance the capability and service offerings of TCs such that they become models of manufacturing excellence for MSMEs. The overall magnitude of the effort for the consultant is expected to be in excess of 246 man-months over a six-year period, the ministry document said.