SSIs keen to raise productivity

Small units seek help from the government and trade unions

The state government, industries and the trade unions should work together to increase labour productivity in the cottage and small scale industries sector, D B Ghosh, president of the Federation of Associations of Cottage and Small Industries (FACSI) of West Bengal said here.

"Poor human relations used to be the greatest hurdle and, while it has significantly improved in the state in the last few years, the problem of low labour productivity remains. All stakeholders needs to take an active role to address this,"said Ghosh at the annual general meeting of FACSI.

Small units is eastern India do not receive information on central government schemes to help small industrial units, Ghosh alleged.

"There has been no dissemination of information on central government grants and units in the state are missing out opportunities. Units in Delhi, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh are taking full advantage of these grants," Ghosh alleged.

FACSI will be organising a Saarc small-industries conference in Kolkata to develop co-operation between SSI units in the region. "The event is expected to take place in February 2006 with participants from Saarc member countries," said Ghosh.

FACSI has asked the West Bengal government for help to set up a permanent small and medium enterprise forum for units in Saarc countries in Kolkata.

FACSI was working on a proposal to develop industrial clusters in West Bengal units producing clothing, engineering goods, leather goods and handicraft.

"There are special packages for developing industrial clusters in states. FACSI would shortly finalise its plan for setting up industrial clusters as it would help the SSI units immensely," Ghosh claimed.